Now that the former defender is a manager, currently with PEC Zwolle in his native Netherlands, we asked him a hypothetical question: which of his 1998/99 colleagues would he most like to sign for his squad?
The former Reading boss was asked that tricky question when we caught up with him in advance of this weekend's charity game at the Theatre of Dreams, for which tickets are still available to buy online or by calling 0161 868 8000, with all proceeds going to the Manchester United Foundation.
With a wealth of talent to consider, Stam admitted “that's a difficult one” before eventually plumping for Paul Scholes, who is also pulling on his boots to compete against Bayern this weekend.