Manchester United may have made their name in World Football especially in the Premier League. However, there are special moments as well as special players that saw them achieve these incredible moments.
Manchester United is arguably the most successful English side in the Premier League despite the exit of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Though this statement (above) is rivalled by Chelsea, Manchester City, Leicester City and latest League Leaders Liverpool that doesn’t hide the reality for the Red Devils.
Ferguson and his side were magnificent and we can trace their success to the player partnership he established at the club.
With history favouring United based on their achievement, we evaluate these three historic partnerships which exploded the Red Devils into something special while they reached legendary status.
3. Ruud Van Nistelrooy & Wayne Rooney
The Dutch hit-man Nistelrooy had enjoyed his time at the Old Trafford complex due to his impressive link up with English star Wayne Rooney.
While David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo may have had their own share of fun on the wings, the class of Ruud Boy and Rooney was made evident on the pitch.
Their understanding in the final third made United dreaded in Europe and a force to reckon with in the Premier League seasons after seasons.
They shocked the world with their imperious understanding going forward to the danger area while scoring as many goals to thrash opposing teams in the past decade.
This partnership was however brought to an end when Real Madrid came calling for the services of talismanic figure Ruud Van Nistelrooy who was very much willing to join the Los Blancos.
This is because he was having an illustrious career with the then amazing Manchester United side led by the Legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
2. Darren Fletcher & Michael Carrick
The two central midfielders were a mainstay in United’s midfield two despite the need to diversity following the invention of the 4-3-3 formation.
Despite the talented of midfield stars like Paul Scholes (especially due to injury) and Hargreaves Owen the likes of Fletcher and Carrick could most times retain their place in the midfield.
While the former was a workaholic, the latter was an intelligent passer of the ball. Carrick had got good passing range required of a midfielder on the pitch. This has seen him thrive in the midfield along with Darren Fletcher.
He’s got a high level of awareness in central areas and this was key to his perfect match with the industrious Darren Fletcher.
The Scottish star forged a defence unit that saw the back four protected in aplomb while releasing the likes of Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo with diagonal through balls (all kinds of passes) on the pitch.
1. Nemanja Vidic & Rio Ferdinand (Defence)
The two central defenders were at the heart of Manchester United’s success as was evident following a number of clean sheets they’ve recorded together for the club.
The partnership saw the Red Devils triumph against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League in Russia with Didier Drogba silenced in the game. This frustrated the legendary Chelsea striker as United went on to win on penalty-kick after it ended 1-1 after the extra time.
Vidic and Ferdinand were exceptional playing together as they ensured stability at the backline for the Red Devils.
Their combo was so good that John O’Shea and Barcelona star Gerard Piqué had to be confined on the bench.
This forced Piqué to return to Spain in search of first-team football which he did achieve with the Catalans side FC Barcelona alongside Veteran defender Carlos Puyol.
Also Read – Manchester United’s All-Time 11 Players
