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5 Best Manchester United Right-Backs Ever: All-Time Greats

By Shawn

Posted on May 3, 2020

Manchester United is a club that has had a plethora of defenders over the years who have made a huge impact in the minds of the fans. They have been efficient both on-field and off the field. The club has had given numerous excellent right-backs in the recent seasons who have not failed to impress. Although most of the success of United has been linked to the attacking half of the team, the defending half needs to be given equal credit.

The Red Devils owe most of their accomplishments to the defensive line-up. As we all know, a solid defence is the most important part of any team in order to win a match. Manchester United has managed to create a solid defence foundation over the years under the guidance of all the managers at the club.

Due to the formation used by the managers at Manchester United, the number of right-backs has been minimal as compared to centre backs and full-backs.

The following list of best Manchester United right-backs has been curated according to the performances of the defenders during their time at the club.

5 Best Manchester United Right-Backs Ever

Johnny Carey

Johnny Carey was transferred to Manchester United from St James Gate in the year 1936. He played his debut match against Southampton in 1937 at Old Trafford. Although Carey is often referred to as a full back, he proved to be an excellent right back. He spent most of his career at United playing different positions in the defence line.

Carey went on to become the captain of the team in the year 1946 and was one of the most effective captains of all time. He was a very versatile player as he could also be utilised as a midfielder. The Irishman was the captain of the 1948 squad that won the FA Cup title.

Johnny Carey played a total of 344 games for Manchester United and scored 17 goals during his stay at the Old Trafford. He remained the captain of the club till he retired in the year 1953. Carey will always be remembered as a versatile defender who acquired the position of being a right back.

Cup Name	Appearances	Goals
League Division One	288	8
FA Cup	38	1
League Division Two	16	8
Charity Shield	2	0

4. James Shay Brennan

Shay Brennan joined the club in the year 1955 but was also a part of the Red Devils as a trainee from 1953. His first professional debut match was against Sheffield Wednesday in February 1958. Brennan is not a very famous name and not many know about his existence in the squad. However, he is one of the best right-backs to have ever joined the club. The Irishman was crucial in holding the defensive line and made a huge impact on the field.

Shay Brennan played his first match for Manchester United right after the Munich disaster and needless to say, he adapted well with the English conditions. He was a very strong defender with excellent tackling abilities. Manchester United has seen very few defenders who can match the strength of Brennan. The right-back was a part of the European Cup-winning squad in the year 1968.

During his first match for United, he scored twice and that was the start of his excellent career at the club. Brennan played a total of 359 matches for Manchester United and ended up scoring 6 goals during his stay at the club. After spending 12 years as a Red Devil, the Irishman’s contract expired in the year 1970 when he retired from the club. He went on to become a player-manager with Watford United. Shay Brennan is one of the lesser known players who have made a huge impact in their position at the club.

Cup Name	Appearances	Goals
League Division One	292	3
FA Cup	36	3
European Cup	11	0
League Cup	4	0
Charity Shield	2	0

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Rafael Pereira Da Silva

Rafael joined the club in the year 2008 and was transferred from Fluminense. He played his debut match for Manchester United in the same year against Newcastle United. The Brazilian was a successor of Gary Neville who is considered as the greatest right back in the history of the club. Rafael was a prodigy of Neville who trained and mentored him. He eventually went on to don the Number 2 jersey of Gary Neville.

Rafael earned his position as a right-back owing to his performance during his early days at the club. He went on to become the favourite choice for the full-back position under the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson, followed by David Moyes. The Brazilian was multi-talented as he could also be utilized as a midfielder. Rafael has won a few man of the match titles in the Premier League before leaving the club.

The Brazilian defender was a part of the FA Community Shield winning squads of 2008, 2011 and 2013. Rafael played a total of 170 matches at the club and scored 5 goals during his stay at Old Trafford. He went on to become one of the best right-backs in the history of the club. After his 7 year career at Old Trafford, Rafael took a transfer to Olympique Lyon in the summer of 2015.

Cup Name	Appearances	Goals
Premiership	109	5
European Cup	26	0
League Cup	18	0
FA Cup	11	0
Charity Shield	2	0

Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera

Antonio Valencia made a move to Manchester United from Wigan Athletic in the year 2009. He played his debut match for the Red Devils in the same year against Chelsea where United lost on penalties. Valencia was a part of quite a few clubs before making a move to Old Trafford. He initially played as a right-winger but however proved to be suitable as a right back.

Valencia has made a huge impact as a defender at United owing to his fast pace and strong presence in the right-hand side of the defence. He has showcased excellent defending skills clubbed with overpowering energy which cannot be matched by any other player. The Ecuador international player was voted into the PFA Team of the year in his debut season at Old Trafford. He was a part of many of the titles won by Manchester United during his stay at the club.

Antonio Valencia has played a total of 339 matches for the club and scored 25 goals during his entire tenure at Old Trafford. He had to bid farewell to the club in the year 2019 when he took a transfer to LDU Quito for free. The right-back has made a huge impact during his stay and will be remembered as one of the best defenders of all time.

Cup Name	Appearances	Goals
Premiership	241	17
European Cup	45	6
FA Cup	22	0
League Cup	15	1
Charity Shield	4	1

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Gary Alexander Neville

Gary Neville was signed into the club in the year 1993 where he began his professional football career. He was initially a trainee at Manchester United from the year 1991. Neville is not only the best Manchester United Right-back but probably is also the best right back to have ever walked the face of the Earth. His sheer determination and hard work made him one of the most notable players in the history of football. He went on to become the most famous right back that Manchester United had ever signed.

Neville was the ultimate right back and was loved by everyone on the team. He had a solid partnership with all the team players and shared a special bond with David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. Neville went on to win the best right-back title during his stay at Old Trafford. The Englishman took up to captainship of the club after the departure of Roy Keane in2005. The club went on to win many trophies in succession under his captainship.

Gary Neville played a total of 602 matches for Manchester United and scored 7 goals during his stay at the club. The player spent his entire career at Old Trafford and retired in the year 2011 after winning numerous titles under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson. Neville will always be remembered for his commitment and loyalty to the club. He is an absolute favourite amongst the fans at Old Trafford.