Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Kieran King

Greatest Man Utd XI named by Artificial Intelligence with Cristiano Ronaldo among big calls

Manchester United's greatest-ever XI has been named by an Artificial Intelligence website - and while Cristiano Ronaldo makes it, there is no place in the lineup for the likes of Ryan Giggs, David Beckham or the club's record goalscorer, Wayne Rooney.

Some of the best players on the planet have donned the United shirt throughout the club's history, from the 'Busby Babes' to 'Fergie's Fledglings' and beyond. Certainly, in all positions, there are no shortage of options when it comes to selecting a best-ever lineup.

Interestingly, the AI formed selection includes no-one that currently play for the club. With that in mind, here is a look at the XI chosen.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Manchester United's greatest-ever XI as chosen by an AI (Getty Images)

In goal is Peter Schmeichel, the Dane who joined the Red Devils in 1991 from Brondby and went onto become a key figure in a remarkably successful team under Sir Alex Ferguson. He made a total of 398 appearances for United and won five Premier League titles during his time at the club.

Gary Neville is the chosen right-back. The Bury-born defender is amongst a select group of players that have just played for United in their career and went on to feature over 600 times in a Red Devils shirt.

Gary Neville captained Manchester United in 2002 (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the two centre-backs in the team are the duo of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. The pair played together at the Red Devils for almost a decade and won countless major honours, including the 2008 Champions League. Ferdinand clocked 455 appearances for the club, while Vidic reached exactly 300. The likes of Gary Pallister, Bill Foulkes and Jaap Stam miss out.

On the left side of the back-four is Dennis Irwin, who was part of that Ferguson side during the 1990s which had so much success. The Republic of Ireland international reached the peak of his powers at United, as well as having spells at Leeds, Oldham and Wolves.

At the heart of midfield are Roy Keane and Paul Scholes.

Keane, who made the switch to Old Trafford from Nottingham Forest in 1993, is known for his tough-tackling nature, but was also a superb technician and was vital to Ferguson's side. Scholes, like Neville, was a one-club man and made 718 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 155 times.

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane (Getty Images)
Eric Cantona and Sir Alex Ferguson (Getty Images)

Across the front four there's no shortage of talent either. George Best is widely considered as one of the most naturally gifted players United have ever had thanks to his ability to win games single-handed during the club's 60s and early '70s pomp.

A second member of United's so-called 'Holy Trinity', Sir Bobby Charlton, who was key for Busby, also makes it. He chipped in with 249 goals in 758 matches, a club record before being overtaken by Rooney.

It leaves just two more spots and Ronaldo takes one of them. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is the biggest worldwide name United have ever had play for them, as he is the most recognised footballer in history alongside Pele, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.

The other place in the side is filled by Eric Cantona, who became a cult hero during his time at Old Trafford for his manner and the way he performed on the pitch. Although Cantona registered the fewest appearances in a United shirt on the team (185), he's selected ahead of club heroes such as Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy and the third member of United's 'Holy Trinity' Denis Law.

Here is the Man Utd XI selected in full by the AI : Schmeichel; Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Irwin; Keane, Scholes; Best, B. Charlton, Ronaldo, Cantona.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.