Stormzy names three Manchester United legends alongside Lionel Messi in ultimate 5-a-side team

British rapper and Manchester United fan Stormzy has named Peter Schmeichel, Rio Ferdinand and Cristiano Ronaldo in his ultimate 5-a-side team.

Stormzy picked his side while promoting his new partnership with Adidas called Merky FC. The initiative will aim to address the lack of diversity off the pitch in football while also providing access to a host of multi-year, paid, professional placements and opportunities across the industry.

The scheme will begin in January 2023 and United have already committed to joining in order to help boost representation at the club. In an interview discussing this important cause, Stormzy was asked by Sky Sports who he would pick in an ultimate 5-a-side team.

Along with the three United legends already mentioned, the rapper chose Lionel Messi and Brazilian striker Ronaldo. Explaining his picks, the 29-year-old said: "This is tough, I am going to get cooked for this.

"My goalkeeper is Schmeichel. My defender has got to be Rio, I love Rio.

"My two midfielders have got to be Messi and Ronaldo. I know every time someone says that you just go 'ah', but there is no point in being silly. And then it has to be R9 [Ronaldo] up top if it is an all-time team."

This is not the first time that Stormzy has backed an initiative to help improve diversity. Since 2018, the grime artist has been providing scholarships for black students at the University of Cambridge.