GARY NEVILLE has split fans by naming Marcus Rashford in Manchester United’s team of the decade ahead of cult hero Nani.
The Sky Sports pundit opted for several of his former teammates in his Red Devils side but could only find room for two of the club’s current stars.
Club-record signing Paul Pogba was one notable name left out, with Rashford and goalkeeper De Gea picked to represent Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team.
Spanish stopper De Gea had already been named in Neville’s Premier League team of the decade and was a shoo-in for United’s man between the sticks.
He told Sky Sports: “He’s been outstanding, Manchester United’s player of the season for most of the decade. He did not have the best of starts but he got there in the end.”
Elsewhere in the lineup, Neville selected legendary pairing Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, with Antonio Valencia and Patrice Evra chosen as full-backs.
The strike partnership of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, who fired United to their last league title in 2013, were picked to lead the line in attack.
Which led Neville to name Rashford on the right side of midfield, adding:“He is the one player in the last four to five years that has come in and looks like he could play in any Manchester United team over the past 25 years.”
Yet his decision split United fans who complained that Nani, who left Old Trafford in 2015 having lifted two of his four Prem’s this decade, had been overlooked.
Neville expanded on his choice to draft in England star Rashford, who scored on his league debut the year after his Portuguese counterpart had left.
He tweeted: “A lot saying Nani ( who I like ) but for United – Rashford = 129 apps 37 goals.
“Nani = 147 apps 26 goals. I went for Rashford as hes played in a far worse team as well.”
However, one replied: “Rashford has played over 100 games at striker nani never did. Nice try though gary.”
Another said: “If its all about stats and this decade only then Pogba should be in there ahead of Scholes. 31 goals to 13. Nani was a better right winger than Rashford. As was Tony V.”
A third added: “Don’t disrespect Nani, he is a class above rashy.”
“But at least Nani won proper trophies”, a fourth tweeted.
