The fierce rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City has provided us with some of the most thrilling moments in Premier League history. With both teams dominating the league at different periods, the names of iconic players from the two sides are virtually endless. From United’s golden era under Sir Alex Ferguson to City’s modern-day dynasty under Pep Guardiola, each team has boasted world-class talent. But when it comes to creating an all-time combined XI, which players stand out?
Here’s our full ranking of the best Manchester United and Manchester City players to ever grace the pitch. We’ll weigh up their contributions, impact, and legacy in a bid to determine who makes the cut.
Formation: 4-3-3
1. Goalkeeper: Peter Schmeichel (Manchester United)
Ranking: 1st (Goalkeeper)
Peter Schmeichel is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. His leadership, commanding presence, and ability to make spectacular saves made him a key member of United's dominance in the 1990s. Schmeichel was a key player in United's treble-winning season of 1999 and played a huge role in their success during Sir Alex Ferguson's reign. While City's Ederson has been a large contributor to their recent successes, Schmeichel's legacy cements his status at the top of this list.
2. Right Back: Gary Neville (Manchester United)
Ranking: 1st (Right Back)
Gary Neville's consistency, leadership, and defensive prowess see him as the undisputed choice at right-back. A one-club man, Neville was an integral component of United's success, helping the club to multiple Premier League titles and Champions League crowns. His no-nonsense defending and ability to provide something in attack see him as the best right-back in this composite XI. Although City have had their fair share of quality right-backs in the form of Pablo Zabaleta and Kyle Walker, Neville's influence at United cannot be rivalled.
3. Center Back: Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United)
Ranking: 1st (Center Back)
Rio Ferdinand was the anchor of Manchester United's defense in the 2000s and early 2010s. His game intelligence, leadership, and composure on the ball made him one of the finest defenders in Premier League history. Along with Nemanja Vidić, Ferdinand formed an unbeatable partnership that won several titles for United. City's Vincent Kompany, a captain and key player in their title triumphs, pushes him close, but Ferdinand's overall ability and consistency tip the scales in his favor.
4. Center Back: Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
Ranking: 2nd (Center Back)
Vincent Kompany was the rock on which Manchester City's contemporary success was founded. His leadership and physicality at the back were central to City's rise to the top. A leader in the true sense, Kompany's performances in the big games, like his iconic goal against Leicester City in 2019, have cemented his position in the hearts of City's faithful. Kompany was an integral component of City's four Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola and claims his rightful place in the combined XI.
5. Left Back: Denis Irwin (Manchester United)
Ranking: 1st (Left Back)
Denis Irwin was a model of consistency and one of the most reliable full-backs in Premier League history. Irwin's intelligent positioning, technical quality, and ability to score important goals were pivotal to United's dominance in the 1990s. While City have had good left-backs like Aleksandar Kolarov and Benjamin Mendy, Irwin's defensive soundness and role in United's treble-winning season gives him the edge.
6. Central Midfield: Paul Scholes (Manchester United)
Ranking: 1st (Central Midfield)
Paul Scholes was a genius in the center of the park. His vision, passing range, and eye for the spectacular goal made him one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. Scholes was the center of United's success, claiming 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League titles. City have had their own brilliant midfielders in the shape of Kevin De Bruyne and Yaya Touré, but Scholes' technicality and influence on the game give him the edge.
7. Central Midfield: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Ranking: 2nd (Central Midfield)
Kevin De Bruyne has been the heartbeat of Manchester City's offense since Pep Guardiola's arrival. His vision, creativity, and range of passing have established him as one of the premier midfielders in football today. De Bruyne has been involved in countless assists and goals for City, and his influence on their success over the past decade cannot be overstated. Despite Scholes' legendary status, De Bruyne’s exceptional all-around play gives him the second spot in this combined XI.
8. Central Midfield: Roy Keane (Manchester United)
Ranking: 3rd (Central Midfield)
Roy Keane captained Manchester United through their numerous title and trophy victories in the 1990s and early 2000s. His leadership, tenacity, and fighting spirit in the middle of the park made him a powerhouse in English football. The control of the game, winning of tackles, and inspirational influence on his colleagues ranked Keane among the greatest of the Premier League. Although Fernandinho has been City's most important player, Keane's leadership and tenacity give him the edge on this list.
9. Right Wing: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Ranking: 1st (Right Wing)
Cristiano Ronaldo's impact at Manchester United cannot be overstated. His game-altering presence, skill, and goal-scoring record helped United win a multitude of Premier League titles and a Champions League. Ronaldo's United career in his first spell transformed the club, and he is one of the finest players to have ever played in the Premier League. Despite his successful second spell at City, City's best-ever winger, a player like Raheem Sterling, still cannot match Ronaldo's genius.
10. Left Wing: Ryan Giggs (Manchester United)
Ranking: 1st (Left Wing)
Ryan Giggs' longevity, consistency, and impact at Manchester United are the stuff of legend. With 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League winners' medals, Giggs was one of the most successful players in United history. His pace, dribbling skill, and creativity on the left wing were integral to United's attacking fortunes for over two decades. No City player has had such a long-lasting impact as Giggs and therefore he is the obvious choice on the left wing.
11. Striker: Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
Ranking: 1st (Striker)
Sergio Agüero is Manchester City's record all-time leading scorer and one of the best strikers in Premier League history. His clinical finishing, movement, and ability to score crucial goals have endeared him to City legend status. Agüero's title-winning goal in the dying minutes of 2012 has cemented his place in football folklore. Whilst United have boasted legends like Wayne Rooney and Eric Cantona, Agüero's exceptional record and consistency earn him the place in this united XI.
Final Thoughts
The Manchester United vs. Manchester City all-time combined XI is a blend of both clubs' legendary players. While United's golden years under Sir Alex Ferguson undoubtedly dominate some positions, City's recent generation—especially in midfield and at the front—have made an equally good case for inclusion. This XI represents the cream of both worlds, a blend of history, skill, and tradition that echoes both clubs' splendor.
