Rio picks combined Man Utd and City XI all-time with Rooney in an unusual role

RIO FERDINAND included himself in a combined Manchester United and City XI.

Ahead of tomorrow’s derby, the 45-year-old was asked to put together a dream team from players who have played in the game since 2000.

Rio Ferdinand has named his combined United and City XI of all timeCredit: PA

Roy Keane was not chosen by Rio FerdinandCredit: Getty

Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo were picked on the wingsCredit: Getty

Starting between the sticks, Ferdinand chose Edwin van der Sar over David De Gea.

He explained his decision to the FIVE podcast: “De Gea probably had more special moments than Van der Sar, I think, but he had that calming influence.

“He was one of the first goalkeepers of that generation who was also great with his feet. So I think I’ll take him as a package.”

At right-back, Gary Neville was dismissed for Kyle Walker, who was dubbed the “best in the history of the Premier League”, and Patrice Evra was on the other flank.

Vincent Kompany, John Stones and Ruben Dias were all options at center back for Ferdinand.

However, he went with a Man Utd combination of himself and Nemanja Vidic.

About himself, Ferdinand explained: “I’m very confident in what I was, looking at the defenders today, put my clips up against any of these guys.

“That’s just how I feel and that’s how I was able to play at my level.

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“I couldn’t say, ‘He’s better than me.’

I went to play a game, looked across the board and thought, ‘I’m better than all of them.’

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“And I still feel that way now. I don’t know why I can’t lose it.”

In midfield, legendary United captain Roy Keane’s place was taken by Man City star Rodri.

Ferdinand explained: “Rodri, what he is doing now, is the best defensive midfielder in the world.

“Buy goals. He’s mean. He controls the pace. In terms of influence on the team, I can’t stray far from that.”

“If he doesn’t play, City lose. Facts. He is the only player in their team where the level of the team drops if he is left out – dramatically.”

Kevin De Bruyne and Paul Scholes were picked to accompany Rodri in the three-man midfield.

The six-time Premier League champions were desperate to slot Wayne Rooney into the XI and brought him in on the right flank, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to play from the left.

Sergio Aguero earned the number 9 shirt and was one of the “toughest” Ferdinand ever played against.