Only three United players make the cut.
Manchester United play Real Madrid on Tuesday night in the Super Cup final, a showpiece game where the winners of the Champions League take on the holders of the Europa League.
To mark this important pre-season match, we’ve decided to create a combined United/Madrid team which we’re sure you’ll fully agree with.
For the goalkeeper slot, there’s only one winner. Keylor Navas is a good ‘keeper, and has performed well for Madrid, but David de Gea gets the nod. The United number one is one of the best in his position in the world, and the best in the Premier League. Madrid would sign him tomorrow if they could, and therefore he has to make this combined team.
At right-back, Antonio Valencia starts ahead of Dani Carvajal. Both are very good full-backs, and either could have a claim to start ahead of the other. However, for his impressive form last season, when he was one of United’s best players, Valencia starts in this combined team.
In central defence, Eric Bailly is unlucky not to start, as he has become a fan favourite at Old Trafford for his performances. However, it’s difficult to overlook the Real Madrid duo of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane. Ramos is never far from receiving a ludicrous red card, but he remains a top class defender when he’s not being sent-off. Varane is lightening quick, great in the air and very good in possession.
At left-back, Marcelo starts. The Brazilian was excellent last season.
We’ve opted for a three-man midfield. Casemiro impressed in the Champions League final. He scored and provided a defensive shield for his midfield partners to get forward, but Ander Herrera has been included in this team. The Spanish midfielder is probably Mourinho’s most important player, carrying out his manager’s instructions expertly.
Ahead of Herrera, we’ve selected Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. The two are good enough to play for any team in Europe, and were absolutely brilliant in the Champions League final. United fans might disagree, but Paul Pogba arguably isn’t on their level.
We’ve decided to play a midfield diamond, and have opted for Isco in the attacking midfield position. The Spanish midfielder was excellent last season after Gareth Bale missed a few months through injury. Isco arguably improved the team, and his form meant that Zidane continued to play him even when Bale returned from injury and James Rodriguez was available.
Up front, we’ve selected Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Ronaldo gets the nod because he’s Ronaldo, and we’ve selected Benzema because, right now, he’s a more complete player than Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian striker scored 25 goals last season, 14 more than Benzema. However, the Madrid forward is a selfless footballer, who brings the best out of Ronaldo with his movement and link-up play. For this hypothetical team, that level of teamwork is important. Benzema has also performed on the highest stage for several seasons. Marcus Rashford would be another good option beside Ronaldo.
Here’s the combined XI:
