Six Reds Up For World XI

Six United players have been named on a 55-man shortlist for the FIFA/FIFPro World XI 2010.

Edwin van der Sar, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney are shortlisted to make the team, which will be announced at the Ballon d’Or gala event on 10 January 2011 in Zurich.

United do not have any players in contention for the main individual prize, the prestigious Ballon d’Or, although it is surprising perhaps that Vidic did not make that list, while Nani, who has enjoyed an incredible 2010, was left off both lists.

The World XI nominations come from votes of 50,000 professional footballers belonging to the players’ unions across the world. They were sent voting forms for a secret ballot to nominate their peers for inclusion in the team, choosing the best four defenders, three midfielders, three forwards and goalkeeper of 2010.

Elsewhere, Sir Alex Ferguson was nominated for the World Coach of the Year 2010, the award for which is announced on the same night.

For the full list of nominees for the awards, visit FIFA.com.