Despite the current struggle to find a solid back 4 with world class centre backs it’s traditionally an area United have been strong, arguably one of the best teams in the world. Narrowing down then to a select few to call the greatest therefore is not easy, but here are some of the strongest candidates:
Steve Bruce (1987-1996)
While he may seem to be the most gifted in terms of footballing management at the moment, there is absolutely no doubt he was one of the most gifted centre-halves to have ever graced the Old Trafford turf. He joined the Manchester club for what now seems to be a measly £800,000 from Norwich City as one of Sir Alex’s first signings. His partnership with Gary Pallister, who only just missed out on a place on this list, was labelled as ‘arguably the best’ by the then captain, Gary Neville, in 2006. His high determination and ability to take hard knocks with ease led to him often being the rock at the centre of defence, his unusually high scoring rate led meant that he created a feeling that no matter what was happening in the game the opposition could never afford to take their eyes off him. Despite in the 1993/94 season he became the first English captain ever to lead a club to the double he was still never selected for the senior England side, a decision that even today seems to be inexplicable and simply wrong.
Denis Irwin (1990-2002)
Without doubt he is the most underrated player in modern United history. While he was a left back primarily he was comfortable on both flanks with an undeniable ability for free kicks and penalties. He came to the Theatre of Dreams after leaving Oldham Athletic for a reported fee of £625,000. He scored a total of 22 league goals during his time in Manchester before he left for Wolves on a free transfer in 2002. While he was at United he was awarded a testimonial against Manchester City on 16th August 2000. He unfortunately however had to be taken off just 37 minutes into the game after being injured by Man City striker George Weah. He also received possibly the highest praise available to a United player from the last 30 years after he was regarded as the greatest ever signing Ferguson made, by the gaffer himself.
Nemanja Vidic (2006-2014)
Vidic joined from the Russian club Red Star Belgrade for just £7 million. His no-nonsense style of play likened him to Steve Bruce and he quickly fulfilled the same role Bruce had made his own the years before, the solid heart of the defence. He established what has been known as the Great wall of Manchester in some sections of social media, this was the back 4 combination of Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra and Gary Neville, all these defenders also deserve honourable mentions despite not making the list. He was made captain in 2010-11 taking over from the great Gary Neville. The Serbian man mountain was to stay at Manchester for 4 more seasons before announcing he was to leave at the end of the 2013-14 season in the midst of all the change happening around the club at that time. Vidic left a lasting legacy as one of the clubs greatest captains and centre backs, leaving a spot that the United hierarchy have struggled to full.
