A popular debate we hear going on in the Transfer Tavern usually revolves around combined XI’s and this week Manchester United and Arsenal fans have been discussing theirs.
Whilst many elect to create a team built around the current stars, the group of lads at the pool table are debating what a team would look like if they chose the best players out of both sides from the Premier League era.
With 16 Premier League titles between them, both United and Arsenal have boasted a lot of the stars of the modern era- which didn’t make the debate any easier to come to a conclusion!
We decided to intervene and ensure no fights broke out, getting into the debate ourselves. It took a while to quiet everyone down but in the end our team is looking pretty good- let us know if we’ve missed anyone in the comments below!
Hit Wenger and Sir Alex to see the all-time combined Man Utd and Arsenal XI!
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GK: Edwin Van Der Sar
Arriving in 2005 from Fulham, no-one expected the Dutchman to have the impact he did in Manchester. In his six years at Old Trafford Van Der Sar was part of an exceptionally talented squad that won four Premier League titles, two League Cups and a Champions League crown.
Both Arsenal and United have had exceptional goalkeepers over the past couple of decades but no-one can match Van Der Sar for his ability and achievements.
RB: Gary Neville
Part of the prestigious class of 92, Gary Neville spent his entire career at Manchester United and made 400 Premier League appearances. Ten league titles, three FA Cup’s, two League Cup’s and two Champions League titles- a haul not many others could boast.
CB: Sol Campbell
As Arsenal fans remember fondly, Sol Campbell has won the double. Following his arrival from the other side of North London, Campbell became a hero in the red-half of the capital with commanding performances in the centre of the defence.
In Arsene Wenger’s era at Islington, no-one defender optimises the Frenchman’s tenure more than Campbell.
CB: Rio Ferdinand
An expensive purchase from Leeds United, Rio Ferdinand quickly paid back his hefty price-tag with some superb performances. Six Premier League titles, three League Cups and a Champions League- Ferdinand had his hands in a lot of pies.
LB: Ashley Cole
Arsenal fans don’t remember Ashley Cole very fondly after he abandoned his boyhood club to enjoy a successful career across the capital with Chelsea. Nevertheless, it was at Arsenal where he made his name and became a cult-hero for a time.
That’s probably what made it most painful for Arsenal fans, seeing one of their own succeed elsewhere. What makes it worse is that the Gunners have had nowhere near this calibre of defender since.
RM: Cristiano Ronaldo
We couldn’t have this team without putting Cristiano Ronaldo in it. Real Madrid has made him into a world superstar but the early stages were evident in Manchester, where the Portuguese ace made his name and started to become one of the finest players in footballing history.
A wealth of trophies accompanied his time, including the Champions League and Premier League, whilst fans can be proud of the player he has become.
CM: Patrick Vieira
Arguably Arsenal’s greatest ever captain, Patrick Vieira was a stalwart in the Gunners midfield. A commanding presence that could be decisive in defence and attack, Vieira is the figurehead for Arsenal’s success in the early turn of the millennia.
CM: Roy Keane
Who else could partner Vieira in midfield? Roy Keane’s battles with the Frenchman were superb time and time again, with the lack of these rivalries in the modern Premier League era being a major disappointment. We’d love to have something like this pair up again!
Keane’s career at United ended in unceremonious fashion, following a huge fall-out with Sir Alex Ferguson, which is a shame as he’s a club legend without a doubt.
LM: Freddie Ljungberg
Spending nine years at Arsenal, Freddie Ljungberg was a crucial part of the Gunners midfield in a huge period of their history. Alongside the likes of Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira and the extremely talented Arsenal attack, Ljungberg is often overlooked. However, his contribution cannot be underestimated.
ST: Thierry Henry
Let’s be honest, there was no way Thierry Henry was ever going to be out of this side. Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer, Henry tormented the Premier League defences for years and was the catalyst in the Gunners fantastic invincibles season.
At Arsenal, there’s unlikely to ever be a player like Henry ever again.
ST: Dennis Bergkamp
Perhaps somewhat controversial for Manchester United fans, who have seen their wealth of talented strikers overlooked in favour of Arsenal’s non-flying Dutchman. However, Bergkamp’s talents are well deserving to lead this attack.
A legend for the Gunners, Bergkamp was the engine the powered the side and linked all the talented players together. A true Premier League great.
