Andy Cole celebrates scoring for United.

Andy Cole names his ultimate United XI

Saturday 13 October 2018 07:00

Andy Cole enjoyed eight trophy-laden seasons at Manchester United, in which he netted 121 goals in 275 appearances between 1994 and 2002.

The arch-poacher was famed for his ruthlessness in front of goal – a quality which was also required when he was asked by the club’s official matchday programme, United Review, back in April 2009 to pick an ultimate XI of his Reds team-mates, as well as a wildcard. 

It was a tough task but he produced this star-studded fantasy team...

Goalkeeper: Peter Schmeichel
Andy Cole says

"A frightening presence and people still underestimate his part in United’s success."

Right-back: Gary Neville
Andy Cole says

"Gaz loves United and was the best right-back I played with during my time at the club."

Centre-back: Jaap Stam
Andy Cole says

"When Jaap was on his game, he was awesome and another guy with a huge presence."

Centre-back: Gary Pallister
Andy Cole says

"Inspector Gadget! He'd always get to the ball – even if he did think football was hard work!"

Left-back: Denis Irwin
Andy Cole says

"You could play Denis left or right – it made no difference because he was that good."

Right midfield: David Beckham
Andy Cole says

"Cristiano Ronaldo is awesome but Becks was just so good."

Centre midfield: Paul Scholes
Andy Cole says

"One of the very best. He made football look far easier than it was supposed to be."

Centre midfield: Roy Keane
Andy Cole says

"I love Incey and Butty but I have to go for Roy, for his phenomenal leadership."

Left midfield: Ryan Giggs
Andy Cole says

"He was an unbelievable talent and played his whole career at the highest level."

Centre-forward: Eric Cantona
Andy Cole says

"He was an unbelievable footballer and a great guy, with such a massive presence about him."

Centre-forward: Ruud van Nistelrooy
Andy Cole says

"Ruud's goalscoring at United was ridiculous – his record was second to none."

My substitutes bench
Andy Cole says

"I initially had Yorkie down to start but Eric pipped him. I’ll probably get a dig off Nicky Butt too, so he’s on the bench. Ole has to be there and Paul Ince. Bruce and Johnsen are my defensive back-up and my wildcard is Ronaldo."

My team selection
Andy Cole says

"I've gone for a 4-4-2 because I never played in a 4-3-3. Picking the team itself was so tough – at least Sir Alex had plenty of games to rotate his players, I only got one shot at this!"