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Who would you consider to be the best of the best in central midfield for United over the past 15 years ?
Paul Ince
Apps: 116
Goals: 19
Ince was integral in securing United's first Premier League success. Hard as nails and an England international, "The Guv'nor" was uncompromising in the tackle and packed a ferocious shot. He enjoyed taking on defenders and his passes inevitably found their targets.
Nicky Butt
Apps: 210 (60)
Goals: 21
A winner of six Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League medal, Nicky Butt was primarily a defensive midfielder. He was, however, phenomenally creative and technically sound. Perhaps the greatest testament to Butt's skills came when Brazil legend Pele named him his player of the tournament at the 2002 World Cup.
Roy Keane
Apps: 309 (17)
Goals: 33
Roy Keane was the kind of player who brought out the best in those around him. A true box-to-box midfielder, Keane dominated the centre of the park and set the tempo for United's play. A no-nonsense tackler, Keane left his mark on more than a few opponents.
Paul Scholes
Apps: 306 (65)
Goals: 95
Another of the Reds' academy graduates, Paul Scholes has been a United regular for more than a decade. Undoubtedly the most effective passer of the ball in the current squad, Scholes rarely gives away possession and has a keen eye for goal. In fact, no other United player has scored more times in the Premier League.
Juan Sebastian Veron
Apps: 45 (6)
Goals: 7
The Argentina international's stay may have been short but its impact is still remembered fondly. A classy South American playmaker, Veron's vision was astounding. Like Keane, he could take hold of a game and dictate its pace, often sparking into life in the blink of an eye. On his day, Seba was a joy to watch.
Michael Carrick
Apps: 29 (4)
Goals: 3
Carrick's arrival from Spurs in 2006 gave United's midfield some much needed stability. Never flashy or wasteful in possession, the England international prefers to keep things simple. That said, Carrick can unlock the tightest of defences with a pinpoint pass and has started to find his shooting range.
Paul Ince
Apps: 116
Goals: 19
Ince was integral in securing United's first Premier League success. Hard as nails and an England international, "The Guv'nor" was uncompromising in the tackle and packed a ferocious shot. He enjoyed taking on defenders and his passes inevitably found their targets.
Nicky Butt
Apps: 210 (60)
Goals: 21
A winner of six Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League medal, Nicky Butt was primarily a defensive midfielder. He was, however, phenomenally creative and technically sound. Perhaps the greatest testament to Butt's skills came when Brazil legend Pele named him his player of the tournament at the 2002 World Cup.
Roy Keane
Apps: 309 (17)
Goals: 33
Roy Keane was the kind of player who brought out the best in those around him. A true box-to-box midfielder, Keane dominated the centre of the park and set the tempo for United's play. A no-nonsense tackler, Keane left his mark on more than a few opponents.
Paul Scholes
Apps: 306 (65)
Goals: 95
Another of the Reds' academy graduates, Paul Scholes has been a United regular for more than a decade. Undoubtedly the most effective passer of the ball in the current squad, Scholes rarely gives away possession and has a keen eye for goal. In fact, no other United player has scored more times in the Premier League.
Juan Sebastian Veron
Apps: 45 (6)
Goals: 7
The Argentina international's stay may have been short but its impact is still remembered fondly. A classy South American playmaker, Veron's vision was astounding. Like Keane, he could take hold of a game and dictate its pace, often sparking into life in the blink of an eye. On his day, Seba was a joy to watch.
Michael Carrick
Apps: 29 (4)
Goals: 3
Carrick's arrival from Spurs in 2006 gave United's midfield some much needed stability. Never flashy or wasteful in possession, the England international prefers to keep things simple. That said, Carrick can unlock the tightest of defences with a pinpoint pass and has started to find his shooting range.
