Ranking the Top 10 Best Right Backs in Man United History

In modern football, the tactics and approach to play the sport have evolved rapidly with managers now being oriented towards high pressing, attacking football keeping the ball possession, and playing string of passes, along with quick counters from the flanks are heavily used. 

With these advancements in the game, the Role of the right-back football position has also evolved significantly, as they are no longer just defenders to interrupt the play but are now relied upon to create chances and drift forward during attacks. While also playing a key role in build-ups. 

Full-backs, particularly Right Back, need to be dynamic and versatile to adapt to the modern style of play. Every manager and team uses full-backs in their formation however, the role may vary as per requirements, sometimes they tend to sit back, stay higher on the pitch, or even play as an inverted full-back. 

Premier League club Man United have had some of the world-class right backs playing for the club in their history. We have already compiled an eminent list of the best left-backs in the Premier League’s history. In this article, we are moving to the right side of the full-back position to present the top 10 best right backs in Man Utd history.

10. Rafael da Silva

The Brazilian full back Rafael Da Silva is the 10th on the list of best right backs in Man Utd history. Arrived at the English club along with his twin brother Fabio from Brazil club Fluminense in 2008 and spent seven years at Old Trafford, making 170 appearances in all competitions. 

Rafael was acclaimed for his love for the club and played with a high-intensity attacking nature equipped with attacking flair and tenacious defending. He won the hearts of the fans during his stint alongside winning several trophies and titles including three Premier League. 

9. Antonio Valencia

Next on the rankings is the Ecuadorian legend Antonio Valencia, he joined Man United as a winger and wide midfielder but eventually transitioned into full-time right back. Valencia was an excellent attacking full-back an attribute which helped him to rack up 58 goals. 

The South American defender even managed to net 25 goals for the club across 339 appearances during his decade-long spell with the English giants. But his vulnerability in defence was often highlighted at times. At United, he lifted two Premier League and several domestic titles. 

8. Shay Brennan

The Ireland International played for Man United from 1957 to 1960, Shay Brennan played an instrumental role in helping the club to revive from the tragic Munich air disaster in 1958, due to which the club lost several big players. He was a talented full-back who could easily operate on both the flanks.

In his 13-year career with the Red Devils, Brennan played 337 games for Man United etching his name in the history of the club and the defender helped the club to secure, two first-division titles and the European Cup. 

7. Jack Silcock

Jack Silcock is the oldest name on this list, played for Manchester post-World War Ist era from 1916 to 1934. Though not many have witnessed Silcock play during those days, the Englishman made his debut in 1919 and went on to play 449 matches altogether. 

He was regarded for his defensive skills and played a significant role in establishing the English club as a competitive team in England was an important figure during the foundational years of the club. Despite, not winning any accolades, his career reflects his legacy. 

Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 Best Defenders in Manchester United history.

6. Noel Cantwell

Noel Cantwell was predominantly a left-back but played a remarkable number of matches on the other flank as a right-back from 1960 to 1967. The Irish International was a pivotal member of the club during the rebuilding phase of the club after the Munich disaster in 1958.  

Cantwell played 140 matches during his time at Old Trafford and guided the team to FA Cup and Community Shield glory. He was known for his leadership and reliability in the defence. 

5. Phil Neville

One of the best right backs in Man United and as well Premier League history, Phill was developed in the club academy along with his brother Gary Neville, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, and Pual Scholes. Just like all the major names of the 1990 academy graduates he had a successful career with Red Devils. 

From 1994 to 2005, Phill Neville made 354 appearances and made 27 goal contributions for the United across all competitions. He won six English Premier League trophies and was part of Manchester United’s treble-winning team in 1999. 

4. Mike Duxbury

Mike Duxbury was another legendary versatile, one of the greatest Man Utd rightbacks who donned the Manchester United jersey from 1976 to 1990. He was a key figure in the club’s success during the ’80s being a fullback prominently, he was well capable of playing as a wide and central midfielder. 

The Englishman played 334 matches for the club during his services for the English club. His contributions also helped Manchester United in winning two FA Cups. 

3. Paul Parker

Paul Andrew Parker played the majority of his club career for Fulham, however, the fans fondly remember Parker’s spell at Old Trafford. He arrived in 1991 to replace Mike Duxbury and quickly established himself in the right-back position. 

The English International made 139 appearances during his spell and won the Premier League thrice, two FA Cups, the Community Shield, and the League Cup. His brilliance with the club earned him 19 International caps for the Three Lions and left the Red Devils in 1996. 

2. Johnny Carey

Carey was a veteran who served the club from 1946 to 1953, in the midst, his career was disrupted due to World War II. He led Manchester United to the FA Cup glory and subsequently got the Footballer of the Year award in 1949. 

Two years, later he was First Division champion with the club in 1952 and has been recalled as one of the greatest Irish players of all time. He appeared 164 times for the English giants and represented both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland on the International stage. 

1. Gary Neville

Gary Neville takes up the first place on the list of best right-backs in Man United history courtesy of his long service for the club. He never played professionally for any other club and spent nearly two decades at Old Trafford, being the defender with the most appearances in the club’s history.

Gary is undoubtedly one of the best right backs to have played the game, he enjoyed a trophy-laden career with the Red Devils and was one of the most reliable figures in Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad, his consistency and leadership skills helped him stack over 600 appearances

He lifted twelve Premier League titles, 2 UEFA Champions League, 3 FA Cups, and Leagues Cup and Club World Cup among his glittering honours with Manchester United. 

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