Can Manchester United win the quintuple?

A few years ago, World Soccer Magazine listed its greatest teams of all time (which I have listed below).

Like all lists of this kind, it is open to interpretation because every era is different. Trying to compare a national team to a club outfit is also plain ridiculous, as who hasn't got hot for six or seven straight matches. But let's give them credit for trying.
won't go into the notable omissions, as there are far too many to mention. However, I do believe that the list will be welcoming a new addition at the end of the 2008/09 season.

In fact, I'm going to step way out on a limb and state that if Manchester United do win this historic quintuple of the Community Shield, Carling Cup, FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League, they will in my estimation be the greatest team of all-time — by a country mile.

Before I tell you why, let me just say that I am not a Manchester United supporter — quite the opposite. But as a fan of football, when the Red Devils are on song, they are a joy to watch.

Before they can be fitted for the crown though there is plenty to do. The main ingredients to the quintuple (it should've been a sextuple — the loss to Zenit St. Petersburg in the UEFA Super Cup being the only setback to date — are of course, the Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League. And football being football, nothing is written in stone until the final whistle — except I feel like we've already heard its shrill blast.

In the Premier League, only the most wildly optimistic Red or Blue believes his club will run down the greatest frontrunners in Premiership history. Yes, United blew a lead to Arsenal once-upon-a-time but that now feels like a fairy-tale — it won't happen again this year.

The FA Cup, despite its shoddy appearance of late, is still a cup that Sir Alex Ferguson takes supremely seriously. I only have to cast my eyes back to last season as Portsmouth nicked a result at Old Trafford to see what it meant to the Scotsman. His eyes were on sticks, his cheeks ruddy red with anger and Wrigley's were having a field day as sticks of gum disappeared into his mouth.

Trust me, he wants the FA Cup badly. For sure, there could be another Pompey moment, and luck plays a huge part in Cup matches, but percentage-wise, you have to say that the Football Association engraver has probably got as far as engraving 'MANC' on the trophy.

The Champions League is, according to the experts, the toss-up. The 50/50. The X-factor. Not since AC Milan has a team retained the most precious prize in European club football, however when I look at the mentality of this United team I see nothing but winners.

When they beat Inter Milan next Wednesday (they have the advantage), who will realistically stand in their way? Barcelona? Maybe Bayern? All long shots. Liverpool has perhaps the best chance!

When the bookies keep shortening your odds, you need to start listening — it's as simple as that.

I will now give you short and logical explanations as to why United will win all three remaining trophies ...

Edwin van der Sar: If he is not in the top five goalkeepers in the world, who is?

Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic: This is the best center back pairing on the planet right now. Why do you think that United are shattering defensive records? It's not rocket science.

Patrice Evra: He is the best attacking left full back in football, and as far as I know he's reasonably sober most of the time. Unlike Ashley Cole!

Michael Carrick: He is the most underrated holding midfield player in Europe and that's the way Sir Alex likes it — please name me a better one.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Lionel Messi may take the plaudits in Barcelona, but those in the know, know that Ronaldo wants to make his last dozen or so matches for United ones to remember. He'll demonstrate that FIFA made no mistake when they named him the best player in the world (and yes, he will be off to Real Madrid in the summer).

Wayne Rooney: Wazza will be the ripe old age of 23 when he lifts the quintuple and he is only getting better. As the best, most instinctive player that England has, that is a scary thought.

Dimitar Berbatov: The Bulgarian hasn't even hit the high notes yet.

I won't even mention Paul Scholes or Ryan Giggs (two of the greatest hands-down), Carlos Tevez, Nani, Ji-Sung Park, Anderson, Gary Neville, etc., as I don't like to depress my readers.

Seriously, is there another team in the world with this much talent available? I suggest we sit back over the next few months and enjoy this pursuit of history. Sir Alex will really have a go at it and that has been the quality I have most admired in this team over the last few months.

Until then, I'll meet you at the far post.