Manchester United have been one of the most successful teams in England, but that success wouldn’t have been reached without a top-class defender that played for them.
Much of Man United’s success since the days of Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Man United, however, owe their accomplishments to the defensive Red Devils who have made that feat a possibility.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 defenders who have played at Old Trafford.
Patrice Evra
Club Honors: Premier League 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, Football League Cup 2006, 2009, 2010, FA Community Shield Cup 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, FIFA Club World Cup 2008 and UEFA Champions League 2008
Man United Appearances: 259
France Appearances: 39
The French International is recognized as one of the best left-backs in the world and is only rivalled by Chelsea and England’s Ashley Cole.
A defensively sound and reliable left-back, Patrice Evra has a penchant for going forward—overlapping the midfield while providing crosses and contributing assists to the team.
Nemanja Vidic
Club Honors: Premier League 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, Football League Cup 2006, 2009, 2010, FA Community Shield Cup 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, FIFA Club World Cup 2008 and UEFA Champions League 2008
Man United Appearances: 239
Serbia Appearances: 56
Nemanja Vidic after arriving at Old Trafford has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League and alongside with Rio Ferdinand dominated in the English top-tier.
Vidic with his rugged style and defensive qualities to Old Trafford played a vital role in the red Devils success.
Because of Gary Neville’s long absence from the team following injuries, Vidic has captained Man Utd since 2010 till his exit from the club.
Rio Ferdinand
Club Honors: Premier League 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, Football League Cup 2006, 2009, FA Community Shield Cup 2003, 2007, 2008, 2011, FIFA Club World Cup 2008 and UEFA Champions League 2008
Man United Appearances: 370
England Appearances: 81
Rio Ferdinand played as a centre-back for the Red Devils he started his football career at West Ham Youth Academy then he caught the eye of Leeds United, who paid £18 million for his signature.
After two seasons at Leeds, Man Utd signed him and made one of the best decisions in their history.
Ferdinand was a defensive stalwart and alongside Nemanja Vidic build one of the best if not the best defensive partnerships in the Premier League.
Jaap Stam
Club Honors: Premier League 1999, 2000, 2001, FA Cup 1999, Intercontinental Cup 1999 and UEFA Champion’s League Cup 1999
Man United Appearances: 120
Netherlands Appearances: 224
Jaap Stam only spent three years at Old Trafford, however, it was enough for him leave his mark at Old Trafford.
The Dutch centre-back didn’t take any prisoners—Stam was literally the defensive rock at the heart of the Red Devils defence.
Stam departed from Manchester United in 2001 before making move to Serie A giants Lazio.
Garry Neville
Club Honors: Premier League 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2009, FA Cup 1996, 1999, 2004, Football League Cup 2006, 2010, F.A Community Shield Cup 1996, 1997, 2008, FIFA Club World Cup 2008, Intercontinental Cup 1999 and UEFA Champions League 1999
Man United Appearances: 602
England Appearances: 85
Gary Neville is the most capped player in Man United history he was one of the best English right-backs ever played.
After of the injury of Paul Parker in 1994-95 Neville really came to the fore and become a starter immediately.
After the exit of Roy Keane in 2005, he was handed the captain armband and would lead them to triumphs.
Neville is and always will be a favourite to the Old Trafford faithful, mostly due to his commitment to the United cause.
Steve Bruce
Club Honors: Premier League 1993, 1994, 1996, FA Cup 1990, 1994, 1996, Football League Cup 1992, Charity Shield Cup 1990 (shared), 1993, 1994, European Cup Winners’ Cup 1991 and European Super Cup 1991
Man United Appearances: 414
England B Appearances: 1
Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister had one of the best defensive partnerships in Man Utd histroy that helped the team to win the host of trophies.
Also, Bruce was one of those defenders that found back of the net 51 times for the Red Devils are a testament.
