The debate on who the best Manchester United defenders are among football fans; especially ManU supporters, is familiar and common.
Manchester United is a rich club and is dubbed as the most successful club in England - winning 44 major trophies more than any other team in the English Premier League.
Part of what contributes to this worth-noting success is the calibre of defenders the Red Devils have been associated with. While many of Manchester United's famous defenders may not make the list, the few have been analysed based on the number of clean sheets, match appearance, and other factors.
Do you want to know the best Manchester United defenders in the history of the club? Read on to discover them -
Steve Bruce
1 Out Of 10
Steve Bruce is the first defender to feature on the list of best Manchester United defenders. The retired professional football player is known for his aggressive pattern of play; full charge, whole-body tackles, and high aerial strength.
The centre-back was one of the earliest signings of Sir Alex Ferguson - the most successful coach in the history of the club. Having been signed by the Red Devils in 1979, Bruce impressed and later stood like a rock at the heart of Manchester United defence.
Aside from being good from the back, the defender also had an eye for goal - scoring 19 goals in 50 match appearances for the Red Devil in the 1990/91 season.
Besides, the centre back scored 51 goals in 414 games during his nine years spell at Old Trafford.
Gary Pallister
2 Out Of 10
Without the benefits of the doubt, Gary Pallister Deserves his spot among Manchester United best defenders.
While Gary Pallister was formidable and strong at the back it would be a good thing to acknowledge his partnership with Steve Bruce. After having been signed by Manchester United in 1989/&83 a deal worth £2.3 million, Pallister adapt quickly to the club's game style and won the heart of fans.
The defender has won 13 major trophies with the Red Devil; making 437 appearances and scoring 15 career goals in the process.
The main highlight of his career is summed up by the fantastic partnership he had with Bruce and the foundation he and his partner both laid for future Manchester United defenders.
Denis Irwin
3 Out Of 10
Denis Irwin might have been one of the best defenders in Manchester United but he is also one of the most humble on the list. The left-back was known for his versatility and ability to cover grounds; even after overlapping.
More so, the defender was one of the best penalty takers in Manchester United - most of his 33 goals for the Red Devils came from the spot. Having been signed on a low-budget, a deal worth £625,000, the football talent went on to lift 7 Premier League trophies, the Champions League among several others.
Moreover, Denis Irwin is arguably the best left-back in United's history but that would be a different case on its own.
Nemanja Vidic
4 Out Of 10
As it stands, Nemanja Vidic is the best Serbian defender to have worn Manchester United's Jersey. Apart from being adapt and fast, the centre back was also hostile both on Aerial balls and pace situations.
Despite, his somewhat aggressive pattern of play, the retired Serbian professional football player did not accumulate lots of cards and was a type that was known for committing tactical fouls.
Moreover, the centre-back formed a formidable defensive partnership with "Rio Ferdinand" - who is one of United's greats.
Rio Ferdinand
5 Out Of 10
Rio Ferdinand is one of Manchester United's most tactical defenders. The centre-back who was known for his strong and formidable defensive partnership with Vidic was signed by the Red Devils for a deal worth £30 million.
This made the English defender the most expensive in British history and the world. Ferdinand did justice to his signature by becoming "a force to be reckoned with" at the heart of the United defence. The centre-back was also England's youngest player (18 years) and this was due to his instinctive defending skills.
However, of all his exploits with the club, Ferdinand was not good at scoring goals; out of his 455 match appearances for the club, the veteran defender scored just 8 goals across all competitions.
Jaap Stam
6 Out Of 10
If not for an Achilles' heel injury Jaap Stam would have earned himself a spot among Manchester United's legends.
The professional football player played 121 games for United, winning the Champions League among several trophies.
Gary Neville
7 Out Of 10
Gary Neville is arguably the best right-back in the history of Manchester United. The retired professional football player was combative but similar to Rio Ferdinand, he managed 7 goals in over 600 match appearances.
Paul McGrath
9 Out Of 10
Despite making 163 appearances for the Red Devil, Paul McGrath earns a spot among United's best defenders.
The retired soccer player was exceptionally good at defending but his problem was alcohol. Despite casualties sustained due to this personal problem, McGrath ended his career at United earlier than expected.
Martin Buchan
10 Out Of 10
Martin Buchan is the best defender to have ever worn the Manchester United Jersey. Despite being signed when United were trophy-barren, the defender won several cup finals.
The best defender also made 456 appearances for the club: scoring four goals - one was one of the best in United's history.
Conclusion
That was all on best Manchester United defenders. Who are your best defenders of the club?
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