- Some of the best football players in history played for Manchester United. The Red Devils were a successful team during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign as the manager.
- Manchester United have signed several left-backs in recent years. Some have had a brilliant career at Old Trafford, while some have struggled.
- Denis Irwin goes down in history as the best left-back to ever play for Manchester United.
Manchester United was a force to reckon with during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign as a manager. The club had some of the best players in Europe.
However, things have not been the same at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson left. The club is yet to return to its glory days despite hiring top managers like David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.
One of the positions at Manchester United which has not been solid is the left-back. Since the Red Devils sold Patrice Evra in 2014, no left-back has been able to impress in that position.
This article will rank ten of Manchester United’s left-back in recent years from worst to best.
10. Alex Buttner
Alex Buttner joined Manchester United from Vitesse Arnhem in 2012. He excited the Red Devils’ fans on his debut by scoring a brilliant solo goal vs Wigan Athletic.
However, Alex struggled to get playing time at Manchester United. He left the club in 2014 after making 13 Premier League appearances.
9. Alex Telles
Alex Telles joined the Premier League giants from FC Porto in 2020. Expectations were high, and the fans expected moments of magic from him.
Alex Telles joined Manchester United in 2020. Photo/ Goal.com.
However, things have not worked out for Telles when wearing the Manchester United jersey. He only excited the fans when he scored a volley against Villareal last season.
The Red Devils loaned him to Sevilla this summer.
8. Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams is an academy graduate of Manchester United. The youngster made his debut in September 2019 when Ole Gunnar was the manager.
Williams had a brilliant 2019-20 season with the Red Devils. He was a fan favourite at Old Trafford, making 36 appearances. Manchester United loaned him to Norwich City after signing Alex Telles.
Williams’ performance at Norwich was not exciting, and he is back at Old Trafford.
7. Clayton Blackmore
Clayton Blackmore joined Manchester United in 1982. The Welsh international made over 180 appearances during his 12 years at Old Trafford.
6. Fabio
Fabio and his twin brother Rafael joined Manchester United from Fluminense in 2008. The Brazilian international struggled for playing time in Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad.
Fabio left Manchester United in 2014 and joined Cardiff City.
5. Ashley Young
Ashley Young joined Manchester United in 2011 as one of the best wingers in the English Premier League. The England international began playing as a full-back after Louis van Gaal took over.
Ashley Young fully integrated into a left-back where he was a regular starter until he left in 2020. Young served as Manchester United’s captain between 2019 and 2020.
4. Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw is one of the best Manchester United left-back in recent years. The England international joined Manchester United from Southampton in 2014 for 27 million euros.
The former Southampton man suffered a double leg break in 2015 and stayed out for several months. Luke Shaw faced it tough during Jose Mourinho’s reign as the manager of Manchester United. However, things worked out well with Shaw during Ole Gunnar’s time.
Luke Shaw has won Manchester United’s Player of the Year twice, 2018-19 and 2020-21.
3. Gabriel Heinze
Gabriel Heinze joined Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain in 2004. The Argentine international excited Manchester United fans with his outstanding performance during the 2004-05 season. He won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in his debut season.
Gabriel later struggled at Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson preferred Patrice Evra to him. The former PSG star demanded a transfer to rivals Liverpool in 2007 after falling behind Evra in the pecking order.
Gabriel eventually joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2007.
2. Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra is one of the best left-backs to ever play in the English Premier League. The Frenchman joined Manchester United from Monaco in the summer of 2006.
Evra didn’t have a good debut season at Old Trafford. However, he quickly adapted to Premier League football the following season and became a regular starter in Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.
Patrice Evra left Manchester United after eight seasons. He won five Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League, among other trophies.
Patrice Evra. Photo/ Stretty News.
1. Denis Irwin
Denis Irwin is arguable the best left-back to ever play for Manchester United. The legendary defender played in both full-back positions.
Denis spent 12 years at Old Trafford, winning seven Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League. The former Irish footballer also won two FA Cups with the Red Devils.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login