Man Utd’s 1999 team tops greatest football sides ever as fans vote on top 20

MANCHESTER United’s 1999 treble winners have topped the league of greatest football teams of all time.

The iconic side pip Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, made famous for their ‘tika-taka’ style led by Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, to top spot in the ultimate footy fan vote.

Brazil’s 1970 World Cup winning team made up the top three, while Liverpool’s side from ’75 to ‘84 add another accolade to their decade of dominance by finishing fourth.

With the top 16 list compiled, they’ve also been represented in knockout format, so you can imagine who you think would go through to take top spot and crowning glory.

It all comes as a poll of 2,000 lovers of the beautiful game, celebrated both club and country sides by ranking them together.

Real Madrid feature twice in the top 20 of teams listed, while Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ and Manchester City’s treble winning team also represent the English game.

The research was commissioned by OLBG, which has also created its own knockout style tool featuring the top 16 teams so other fans can play along and see who they think comes out on top.

Jake Ashton, Football Editor for the brand, said: “There have been some incredible teams for both club and country over the years.

“Domestic sides often have periods of dominance, lasting as long as five or six years at a time, but international sides usually shine at one particular tournament.

“With things like the World Cup’s global audience, it’s little surprise Brazil’s 1970s heyday is still so fondly remembered.”

Other sides highlighted in the top 20 list include Spain’s globe-conquering side from 2008-2012, which hoovered up European Championships in 2008 and 2012, as well as the 2010 World Cup.

France‘s team from 1998 to 2000 that won World and European honours also placed.

Seven in 10 respondents said one or more of the teams listed have had a significant impact on their overall love of football.

This was either because they were simply a joy to watch (73 per cent), their teamwork was inspiring (66 per cent) or they played in a unique way (60 per cent).

When asked separately, football fans also fed into the age old club vs country debate, with 44 per cent preferring club competition to international.

Tradition and history of these teams came out on top of the key reasons why (48 per cent), according to the OnePoll.com data.

The domestic game also pulled on the heart strings of fans, as 36 per cent would prefer their club team to win a trophy vs 26 per cent who would rather see their country succeed if given the choice.

It would be a close match according to fans in a hypothetical game between the best international team and the best domestic 11, with the vote just going to the club side (41 per cent vs 39 per cent).

When asked the key ingredients that go into a truly great team, supporters cited skill and talent (64 per cent), exceptional teamwork (61 per cent) and consistency (56 per cent) as most important.

Jake Ashton from OLBG added: “Trying to agree on the best football team of all time is one of the great debates that unites and divides fans in equal measure.

“Whether you grew up watching the dominance of Brazil in 1970, the flair of Barcelona under Guardiola, or the invincibility of Arsenal’s 2003-04 squad, everyone’s got a strong opinion – and that’s what makes it so much fun.

“Football isn’t just about stats or trophies – it’s about memories, passion and the moments that made us fall in love with the game.”