Who is United’s Best Player this Millennium

[Lama]

Typical International Break Thread:

Seen a few discussions on people’s favourite players, best players, etc etc.

Question: Who is the most technically proficient player in their respective position, since the year 2000?

This isn’t about effort, cult hero status or general contribution; more a question of who burned the brightest at their peak?

 

[Tarqs]

I mean, comfortably the best player hasn't even made the shortlist lmfao.

 

[Blade45]

Where is Brewster?

 

[Shadota]

Question: Who is the most technically proficient player in their respective position, since the year 2000?

Based on that criteria, out of those options it's got to be Iliman.

Probably should have added the question to the post title though. As more people add their opinions, this is more and more likely to not get read.

 

[The Fox]

I went McGoldrick , I'd say illi is the most technically gifted but Didzy was the most proficient.

 

[Lama]

I mean, comfortably the best player hasn't even made the shortlist lmfao.

Marcus Williams?

 

[S64 Blade]

I’ve gone Sharp. Obviously the goals, but also his longevity and the impact he had on others in the squad as a leader, too.

He even had a good season when Adkins was manager, which is some feat!

 

[Geordie Blade]

Based on "who burned the brightest at their peak?", I've gone for Michael Brown (his peak being 2002-03).

Could have easily gone with someone else for different criteria though.

 

[Wards]

Ticked every player in the poll

 

[71Blade]

Mark Duffy should have ben included in my opinion, for me he got me off my seat every time he went forward just a real shame how it all ended. Sublime player in my opinion

 

[Pintor75]

This millennium or just a good season, I.e Ndiaye?

 

[ben1987]

Kyle Walker surely? Considering what he’s achieved.

I guess if it’s down to achievements with us then I’d go Billy. He’s surely the definition of proficient.
Or Ndiaye is probably the most talented to display that for our club

 

[Rusty]

Salmon. End of.

 

[s20Blade]

My personal one of the lot is Didsy

 

[Davalon]

I mean, comfortably the best player hasn't even made the shortlist lmfao.

Chris Morgan? Gary Speed? Kieran Wallace?

 

[mattbianco1]

Who is the most technically proficient player in their respective position, since the year 2000?

All of the above!

 

[Lama]

Mark Duffy should have ben included in my opinion, for me he got me off my seat every time he went forward just a real shame how it all ended. Sublime player in my opinion

Fair comment, maybe should have included him. He’s certainly one of our greatest flair players of this millennium.

Kyle Walker surely? Considering what he’s achieved.

I guess if it’s down to achievements with us then I’d go Billy. He’s surely the definition of proficient.
Or Ndiaye is probably the most talented to display that for our club

It’s exactly what you mentioned in your second paragraph; it us to have been in a united shirt to count for me.

 

[ISZA ⚔️]

The best footballer on that list is Iliman Ndiaye. Mark Duffy was a better a footballer than a lot of that list. It’s very subjective though as my appreciation for attacking (off your seat) footballers is higher than a Jagielka for example. Others on the list (Basham, Sharp etc) went through a lot with the club and came out as legends.

 

[crucialkneeligaman]

Losing Jack seemed to have had the greatest impact imho.

 

[FinchleyBlade]

Mark Duffy should have ben included in my opinion, for me he got me off my seat every time he went forward just a real shame how it all ended. Sublime player in my opinion

Duffy should 100% be on this list. He is one of the few players worth the admission fee alone to watch we've had in recent years. Strange that many seem to have forgotten just how good he was for us. Don't know why. Criminal he never got his chance in the prem.

 

[Lama]

The best footballer on that list is Iliman Ndiaye. Mark Duffy was a better a footballer than a lot of that list. It’s very subjective though as my appreciation for attacking (off your seat) footballers is higher than a Jagielka for example. Others on the list (Basham, Sharp etc) went through a lot with the club and came out as legends.

It’s hard, but I think you have to take their position into account. There are many technical skills associated with each outfield position.

I voted for N’Daiye, my second pick would have been JOC.

Also, apologies to all; seems the omission of Duffy was heinous!

 

[Blade45]

There is a couple ways this could be interpreted.

Most technically proficient is Ndiaye, who burned brightest at their peak is probably Michael Brown, and the best player this millennium in totality is Chris Basham.

All my opinions.

 

[OldBillBlade]

This millennium or just a good season, I.e Ndiaye?

I've gone for Ndiaye. Simply for being the most entertaining and skilful I have seen for a long time.

This millennium or just a good season, I.e Ndiaye?

 

[PeterNdlovu081]

N’Daiye?

 

[itsinyerblood]

Why no mention of Paul Coutts? He was the captain of a great midfield (Fleck, Coutts, Duffy) and at times he was sublime and controlled games. Gettiminnnn!

 

[CaptainMorgans]

I've gone for McGoldrick.
Wonderful player at the highest level in the best team we've probably ever had.

O'Connell would be my No.2 for the same reasons.

Ndiaye & MGW were an absolute joy to watch though and definitely the most talented.

And Michael Brown's 02/03 season will probably never be topped, especially when you include the iconic goal against Wednesday.

 

[Stanthemanfan]

Why no mention of Paul Coutts? He was the captain of a great midfield (Fleck, Coutts, Duffy) and at times he was sublime and controlled games. Gettiminnnn!

Deffo, one of fav all time utd players

 

[itsinyerblood]

Deffo, one of fav all time utd players

Stan, I know there are those who prefer Norwood over Coutts, and I should add that on his day Norwood was good for us, but Coutts' influence exceeded anything Norwood contributed.
Coutts went from being bang average to truly exceptional, no idea why neither do I care. He was just great, period. A true sadness when Marvin Sordell broke his leg and effectively ended his career with the Blades.
After that dreadful tackle I recall Wilder being asked how he'd be able to replace Coutts, he replied, 'I've no idea, these are big boots to fill'. At the time of the injury Coutts was looking every part the top Championship player, and I was looking forward to seeing how he'd acquit himself in the Prem.

 

[Addison]

Why no mention of Paul Coutts? He was the captain of a great midfield (Fleck, Coutts, Duffy) and at times he was sublime and controlled games. Gettiminnnn!

The Holy Trinity mark 2. Only surpassed by the Holy Trinity mark 1 Hockey, Salmons and Currie.

 

[S17 Blade 1889]

It's got to be Norwood (I know), without him we don't get any promotions, easily one of the key players over the last few years. Yeah he struggled in the Prem season 2 and 3 but he was different class in the Champ seasons.