Rio Ferdinand has unveiled his combined XI for Manchester United and Manchester City ahead of their upcoming clash on Sunday, omitting several notable players.
The highly anticipated fixture between the two Manchester clubs is set to be the highlight of this weekend’s Premier League action.
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The Blues are currently in second position in the league standings, while the Red Devils are positioned sixth. Prior to the Etihad clash, Ferdinand has made his selection for the combined Manchester United and Manchester City XI.
In his choices, he has omitted renowned figures such as Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
In goal, he chose Edwin van der Sar ahead of David de Gea, saying: “I reckon Van der Sar is the standout for me. We said it straight away. David de Gea, I think, probably had more outstanding moments than Van der Sar, but Van der Sar was just that calming influence and that balance, and he was one of the first goalkeepers from that generation to be great with his feet as well.
“So, I just think as a package, I take him.”
Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic, Ferdinand himself & Kyle Walker make up the defence.
On the Man City right-back, Ferdinand said: “Kyle Walker is the best right-back in Premier League history for me. I think he’s a top player.”
The ex-Manchester United player opted for a midfield entirely composed of Manchester City players, including Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Yaya Toure.
For the attacking lineup, Ferdinand chose Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Aguero, and Wayne Rooney.
On Ronaldo, the 45-year-old said: “Cutting in, banging goals. When we were winning the league and he was scoring 40+ goals, he was playing on the left, so I think we’ve got to put him on the left.”
Rio Ferdinand’s combined Manchester United and Manchester City XI since 2000:
GK – Edwin van der Sar
LB – Patrice Evra
CB – Rio Ferdinand
CB – Nemanja Vidic
RB – Kyle Walker
MF – Rodri
MF – Kevin De Bruyne
MF – Yaya Toure
FW – Cristiano Ronaldo
FW – Sergio Aguero
FW – Wayne Rooney
