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19th Jul 2017

Juan Mata leaves Roy Keane out of his all-time Manchester United XI

One current player made the cut

Darragh Murphy

Juan Mata was spoilt for choice.

The Manchester United midfielder was recently tasked with picking Manchester United’s greatest XI of all time from the deep pool of ridiculous talent to have featured at Old Trafford over the years.

And given the quality that United have boasted in the past, some legends, unfortunately, had to be left out.

Using the United By You tool, Mata selected current teammate and Spanish compatriot David De Gea between the sticks, excluding both Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar in the process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrDItUmpwwU

The likes of Gary Neville and Denis Irwin missed out, with Mata preferring to play without full-backs in a defence that comprises Steve Bruce, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

A five-man midfield was picked, with David Beckham, Bryan Robson, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo leaving no room for former captain Roy Keane.

And up top, Mata didn’t have to think twice as he picked a strike partnership of Wayne Rooney and Eric Cantona.

“I think it’s a great team,” Mata told Virgin Money. “I think we have a mix of everything. Obviously, we have very quick players and the right foot of David Beckham is maybe the best.

“We have a lot of goals and magic, and great defenders both with and without the ball. And then we have the best goalkeeper.

“I’m proud of my team!”

Image via VirginMoney