Ranking 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 a string of passes, along with quick counters from the flanks. With these advancements in the game, the Role of the right-back football position has also evolved significantly.

Now, 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, are required to be dynamic and versatile to adapt to the modern style of play. Every manager and team utilises full-backs in their formation however, the role may vary as per requirements. Occasionally, they tend to sit back, stay higher on the pitch, or even play as an inverted full-back. 

Premier League club Man United has had some of the world-class right backs in their ranks across the history of the club. 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.

Ranking Factors

• Appearances: the first factor signifies longevity and consistency, that is, the number of appearances for the Red Devils during their time at the club.
• Individual stats: Relevant statsitcs like chance creation, goal involvements and individual stats like goals and assists, are the second factor for consideration.
• Titles: The number of trophies and silverware a player has lifted with the English club is the third important ranking factor on this list.

10. Rafael da Silva (Brazil)

The Brazilian full-back Rafael Da Silva is the 10th on the list of best right backs in Man Utd history. He arrived at the English club with his twin brother Fabio from the Brazilian club Fluminense in 2008 and spent seven years at Old Trafford, making 170 appearances in all competitions. Rafael was applauded for his love and devotion to the club, and he 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 titles. 

Appearances	170
Goals	5
Assists	10
Titles	3 x Premier League, 2 x League Cup, 3 x Community Shield, FIFA Club World Cup

9. Antonio Valencia (Ecuador)

Next on the rankings is the Ecuadorian legend Antonio Valencia. Having 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. Counted amongst the greatest South American in the Premier League, he 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, the defender had lifted the Premier League twice and several domestic titles. 

Appearances	339
Goals	25
Assists	41
Titles	2 x Premier League, FA Cup, 2 x League Cup, 5 x Community Shield, UEFA Europa League

8. Shay Brennan (Ireland)

The former 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, the Irishman, Brennan, played 348 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. 

Appearances	348
Goals	6
Assists	1
Titles	2 x First Division, 2 x Community Shield, UEFA Champions League

7. Jack Silcock (England)

Jack Silcock is the oldest name on this list. played for Manchester post World War I 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. He was an important figure during the foundational years of the club. Despite not winning any accolades, his career reflects his legacy. 

Appearances	449
Goals	2
Assists	N/A

Also Read: Top 10 Best Manchester United Academy Players of All Time from Past to Present- 2024

6. Noel Cantwell (Ireland)

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 142 matches during his time at Old Trafford and guided the team to FA Cup and Community Shield glory. the legendary defender was also known for his leadership and reliability in defence. 

Appearances	143
Goals	7
Assists	2
Titles	FA Cup, Community Shield

5. Phil Neville (England)

One of the best right backs in Man United and Premier League history, Phill was developed in the club academy along with his brother Gary Neville, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, and Paul Scholes. Just like all the major names of the 1990 academy graduates, he had a successful career with the Red Devils. From 1994 to 2005, Phill Neville made 385 appearances and made 28 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. 

Appearances	385
Goals	8
Assists	20
Titles	6 x Premier League, 3 x FA Cup, 3 x Community Shield, UEFA Champions League x Intercontinental Cup

4. Mike Duxbury (England)

The Englishman Mike Duxbury was another legendary and versatile player and one of the greatest Man Utd right backs who donned the Manchester United jersey. He was a key figure in the club’s success during the ’80s, from 1976 to 1990. Being a fullback prominently, he was well capable of playing as a wide and central midfielder. Duxbury had played 351 matches for the Red Devils during his tenure at the English club. His contributions also helped Manchester United win two FA Cups. 

Appearances	359
Goals	6
Assists	4
Titles	First Divison, Community Shield

Also Read: The 10 Best Strikers for Manchester United of All Time – Ranked

3. Paul Parker (England)

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 143 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. 

Appearances	146
Goals	2
Assists	N/A
Titles	3 x Premier League, 2 x FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield

2. Johnny Carey (N. Ireland)

Carey was a veteran who served the English club from 1946 to 1953. In the midst of this, his career was disrupted due to World War II. He led Manchester United to 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 181 times for the English giants and represented both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland on the International stage. 

Appearances	344
Goals	17
Assists	N/A
Titles	First Divison, FA Cup, Community Shield

1. Gary Neville (England)

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. The Englishman 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 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. 

Appearances	600
Goals	7
Assists	50
Titles	8 x Premier League, 4 x FA Cup, 3 x League Cup, 6 x Community Shield, 2 x UEFA Champions League x Club World Cup

List of Top 10 Best Man United Right Backs

Rank	Player	Country	Notable titles
1	Gary Neville	England	8 x Premier League, 4 x FA Cup, 3 x League Cup, 6 x Community Shield, 2 x UEFA Champions League x Club World Cup
2	Johnny Carey	Ireland	First Divison, FA Cup, Community Shield
3	Paul Parker	England	3 x Premier League, 2 x FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield
4	Mike Duxbury	England	First Divison, Community Shield
5	Phil Neville	England	6 x Premier League, 3 x FA Cup, 3 x Community Shield, UEFA Champions League x Intercontinental Cup
6	Noel Cantwell	Ireland	FA Cup, Community Shield
7	Jack Silcock	England	None
8	Shay Brennan	Ireland	2 x First Division, 2 x Community Shield, UEFA Champions League
9	Antonio Valencia	Ecuador	2 x Premier League, FA Cup, 2 x League Cup, 5 x Community Shield, UEFA Europa League
10	Rafael da Silva	Brazil	3 x Premier League, 2 x League Cup, 3 x Community Shield, FIFA Club World Cup

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

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