Manchester United’s best ever central defenders
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Manchester United have confirmed they are close to completing a deal to sign Victor Lindelof from Benfica this summer.
The Swedish defender is highly thought of both in his home country and in Portugal.
When the defender arrives at Old Trafford, he will join an illustrious group of players to have worn the famous red shirt.
Throughout the years there have been plenty of big names to play in the heart of the defence for United – in no particular order, we’ve picked out some of the club’s all-time best in that position…
Steve Bruce (1987-1996)
Bruce enjoyed a glittering Manchester United career at the heart of the club’s defence.
During his time at Old Trafford, he lifted four Premier League trophies, three FA Cups, a League Cup, the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the European Super Cup.
Making over 400 appearances for the club, he was a mainstay in the defence during his time with Manchester United and is a popular figure among fans to this day.
Gary Pallister (1989-1998)
The former England international was an iconic figure during his time at Old Trafford and is still very much adored by fans.
During his time at United, he helped the club lift four Premier League trophies, three FA Cups, one League and like Bruce, the Cup Winners’ Cup and the Super Cup.
He was named in the Team of the Year five times, four of which came in successive seasons, which is a testament to his ability.
Jaap Stam (1998-2001)
Jaap Stam’s Manchester United career ended much sooner than it should have.
Sir Alex Ferguson has gone on record to say he was wrong to sell him so quickly.
The Dutchman left for Lazio at the age of 29 following an injury.
Stam played a key role in the club’s Champions League triumph and won three league titles along the way.
He was given a rousing reception when he took his Reading side to Old Trafford last season.
Nemanja Vidic (2006-2014)
Not only is the Serbian one of Manchester United’s best players of this generation, but it could be argued that he was one of the Premier League’s best central defenders of this era.
When he joined in 2006, he lifted three consecutive Premier League titles and would go on to win a further two in his United career.
With three League Cups, a Champions League trophy, Club World Cup trophy, as well as five Community Shields to his name, Vidic certainly had a trophy-laden career.
The biggest praise you can give him is that he was named the Premier League Player of the Season on two occasions.
Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany is the only other defender to win the award in the Premier League era.
Rio Ferdinand (2002-2014)
Ferdinand joined the club with huge expectations after arriving from Leeds, becoming the world’s most expensive defender at the time.
During the early days of his Manchester United career, Ferdinand had his issues which were well documented at the time.
With all the behind him, he would go to become a figurehead both in the Manchester United and England backline, making over 450 appearances for the Red Devils.
His achievements include six Premier League trophies, three League Cup wins and a Champions League.
Bill Foulkes (1951-1970)
Bill Foulkes personified the spirit of the ‘Busby Babes’. The defender, who survived the tragic Munich air disaster played a key role in that specific era of the club.
During his 19-year spell with the club, he made 688 appearances for Manchester United, which left him fourth on the all-time top appearances list for the club.
Foulkes, unfortunately, passed away in 2013 after reportedly suffering from Alzheimer’s.
Paul McGrath (1982-1989)
Manchester United fans may never have seen the best of Paul McGrath.
The defender had his own issues off the pitch, which were well documented and he has since opened up about his alcohol problems.
But during a seven-year stay at United, he made over 200 appearances and would go on to enjoy more success at Aston Villa.
Several injuries, coupled with a rocky relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson ended his Manchester United career.
Martin Buchan (1972-1983)
One of the club’s most influential players during the 1970s.
Manchester United shelled out a huge (at the time) £125,000 to sign him, making him the club’s record signing.
He suffered the heartache of relegation during his first season but bounced back as champions of what was the Second Division the following campaign.
He made over 450 appearances for the club and helped guide them to FA Cup success by beating Liverpool.