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Football news - Parker: Fergie's greatest Man Utd XI would win any derby - but who makes the cut?

Paul Parker

Updated 09/11/2018 at 11:46 GMT

Old Trafford favourite Paul Parker celebrates the 32nd anniversary of Sir Alex Ferguson's appointment as Manchester United manager this week by picking his greatest team of the Fergie years: 1986-2013.

Paul Parker played alongside some of Manchester United's greatest figures.

Image credit: Eurosport

The former England right-back - a World Cup semi-finalist in 1990 - won two Premier Leagues, the FA Cup and League Cup at Manchester United between 1991 and 1996.
He made 146 appearances at right-back under Fergie, scoring twice and played alongside some of the most iconic figures to wear the legendary red shirt. Ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday, he picks a United side who excelled in winning key games.
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This would be my greatest team from the Ferguson years, a team ready to win any Manchester derby in any era.
It has quality defensively, quality in midfield with energy to get up and down the park all day and most importantly creativity, improvisation and goals up front.
Paul Scholes is the big omission, but I've gone more to the strengths of the guys I played with.
Gary Neville got in there at right-back for the simple reason that he must have been one helluva player to have nicked my place.

Goalkeeper: Peter Schmeichel (1991-1999) - 398 appearances

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Peter Schmeichel is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

Image credit: PA Sport

Right-back: Gary Neville (1992-2011) - 602 appearances, seven goals

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Manchester United defender Gary Neville

Image credit: PA Photos

Left-back: Denis Irwin (1990-2002) - 529 appearances, 33 goals

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Dennis Irwin of Manchester United in action during the Charity Shield match against Chelsea played at Wembley Stadium.

Image credit: Eurosport

Central defender: Jaap Stam (1998-2001) - 127 appearances, one goal

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Jaap Stam was a treble winner for Manchester United

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Central defender: Gary Pallister (1989-1997) - 437 appearances, 15 goals

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Gary Pallister, Manchester United central defender 1989-1997, who won 22 England international caps between 1988-1997.

Image credit: Eurosport

Left midfield: Ryan Giggs (1990-2014) - 963 appearances, 168 goals

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Ryan Giggs celebrates a Manchester United triumph

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Central midfield: Bryan Robson (1981-1994) - 461 appearances, 99 goals

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Bryan Robson was one of Manchester United's great captains

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Central midfield: Roy Keane (1993-2005) - 480 appearances, 51 goals

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Roy Keane is an all-time Manchester United great

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Right midfield: Cristiano Ronaldo (2003-2009) - 292 appearances, 118 goals

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Cristiano Ronaldo playing for United

Image credit: Getty Images

Centre-forward: Eric Cantona (1992-1997) - 185 appearances, 82 goals

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Eric Cantona of Manchester United in action during the 1993 FA Charity Shield against Arsenal

Image credit: Eurosport

Centre-forward: Andy Cole (1995-2001) - 275 appearances, 121 goals

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Manchester United footballer Andrew Cole

Image credit: Eurosport

I've gone for 4-4-1-1 to get Eric playing the supporting role just off the striker.
There is always room for debate. Let me know what you think of my choices.
Paul Parker picks Manchester United's greatest side under Sir Alex Ferguson
Paul Parker - @realpaulparker2
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