Erik ten Hag ignored some former Manchester United players when naming his fantasy 5-A-Side squad, but did include Arsenal and Liverpool legends.
United begin their Europa League campaign on Wednesday night against Twente, the club where Ten Hag began his playing career.
The Dutchman hasn’t had the best of fortunes in Europe with the Red Devils, losing in the UEL quarter-finals in his debut season and being humiliatingly knocked out of the Champions League group stage last time around.
This season, United is one of the favourites to win the Europa League in its new format, along with Tottenham, Roma, and Athletic Bilbao.
UEFA invited Ten Hag to choose an ultimate 5-A-Side side comprised of previous Europa League/UEFA Cup champions prior to their first encounter.
The manager chose goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, defender Fabio Cannavaro, and midfielder Lothar Matthaus from a shortlist that included former Manchester United players like as Wayne Rooney.
However, his final two picks may raise eyebrows: ‘In terms of midfielders, I would choose Steven Gerrard because he can both defend and attack.
‘He has a strong shot, is a good finisher, and can make the final pass, which is what you want.
“My attacker…that’s easy, Dennis Bergkamp. He excels in cramped spaces. Extremely speedy. An excellent finisher.
“I think it would be a terrific squad with Buffon, Cannavaro, Matthaus, Gerrard, and Bergkamp. I believe they would be quite successful.
