Edwin van der Sar’s 2008/09 season with Manchester United saw him achieve an incredible milestone—14 consecutive Premier League clean sheets, setting a record 1,311 minutes without conceding. His run of defensive dominance played a key role in United’s title-winning campaign, with standout performances against Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester City. This record-breaking streak remains one of the greatest goalkeeping feats in Premier League history.
Over a managerial career spanning 26 years at Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson built some of the most formidable teams in football history. His success wasn’t just down to tactical brilliance but also an uncanny ability to spot talent and nurture it into greatness. Here, we look at 10 of his greatest signings, listed in chronological order.
Bringing together the best talents from the Eredivisie and Premier League, this combined XI is packed with creativity, precision, and a history of world-class performances. Let’s dive into the squad and explore what makes this team one of the most formidable you could imagine.
Arsenal entered Old Trafford on 24 October 2004 as football's untouchables, riding a 49-game unbeaten run in the Premier League that had earned them the legendary title of "The Invincibles." Their imperious form had seen them steamroll through the 2003/04 campaign without a single defeat, a feat unseen in English top-flight football since the late 19th century. But all good things must come to an end, and on a fiery afternoon in Manchester, Arsenal’s record-breaking streak came crashing down in controversial fashion.
When Manchester United faced Liverpool on October 1, 1995, the footballing world had its eyes on one man: Eric Cantona. The enigmatic Frenchman was making his long-awaited return from an eight-month suspension following his infamous "kung-fu kick" incident at Selhurst Park. As United hosted their fierce rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford, anticipation was electric. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, but the story was all about Cantona's comeback.