Coral’s brutal combined Man Utd – Liverpool Premier League era XI

The much-anticipated Manchester United (odds-on favourites at 4/5) v Liverpool (10/3) derby is almost upon us, so Coral writers have come up with a combined team of players from both sides in the Premier League era.

Given that the Red Devils have won a total of 13 top-flight titles in the modern era (since 1992/93), and the Merseysiders claiming none, this XI may reflect on that success.

Our team consists of arguably the greatest goalkeeper of all time, a pair of iconic British Isles full backs, two centre halves who ended up in Italy, a ruthless general, a couple of legendary central midfield clubmen and three attackers who went on to represent Real Madrid.

Peter Schmeichel – Goalkeeper
Despite a shaky start to his Old Trafford career, ‘the Great Dane’ went on to become one of the greatest keepers in the world, and helped United to the famous treble in his last season with the club. Champions League hero in 2005 Jerzy Dudek and David de Gea were other options for the number one position in this team.

Gary Neville – Right back
By his own admission, Neville was never the most gifted player, but his 602 total appearances (sixth highest) for the Red Devils say it all in terms of his importance and consistency over the years. The 85-capped England international spent six seasons as club captain.

Jaap Stam – Centre back
Although the Dutchman spent only three campaigns with Man Utd, before reportedly being told he would be sold by Sir Alex Ferguson at a petrol station, he was vital to the club’s success over that period. Stam won three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, Champions League and Intercontinental Cup in his short spell, before heading off to Italy with Lazio and AC Milan.

Nemanja Vidic – Centre back
Another rock at the back for the Red Devils, Vidic thankfully stayed a lot longer than Stam at Old Trafford, skippering them for three years, before leaving on a free transfer to Inter Milan last summer. Five Premier League trophies, a Champions League and three League Cups are among the titles the Serb won with United.

Denis Irwin – Left back
Diminutive Republic of Ireland defender Irwin quietly went about his work, but is arguably the best left back the Premier League has seen. The right-footed player won 19 trophies and made 529 appearances throughout his Man Utd career.