Describing Manchester United players in one word - The Defenders

Manchester United, the most successful club in the history of the Premier League. When you look back at the things they have achieved over the past two decades, you will not find one single thing that defines them. It is the team that won and it is the array of characters present in that team which made it possible. All Man United players have something unique, something different. That is what makes the team tick together.

They often say that describing a person using a single word makes greater sense than talking about them for hours. So, here is my opinion on each and every player at Man United.

David de Gea – Wonderkid

David de Gea is special and Sir Alex knew it. After Edwin van der Sar decided to call it quits, United needed someone who will stay with them for a long time and the 21 year de Gea was perfect for it.

Stopper for the Future

Although he had a sketchy start, the Wonderkid is showing us what he is made off these days. If he continues to keep up with the Premier League, he could be a world class keeper one day.

Anders Lindegaard – Frustrated

One cannot blame Lindegaard. The guy is a world class keeper and could occupy the No.1 jersey for most Premier League teams. But his problem? Manchester United isn’t like most teams.

United want a keeper who can be with them for a long time. Given de Gea’s age and hefty price tag, he has to be United’s No.1. This leaves Lindegaard in a tight spot. What he will do is still unclear but his class is unquestionable.

Partice Evra – Warrior

He is isn’t he? You never see Evra giving up, he makes those bursting runs up the field, he tracks back to defend and he is always in the mix of things. I have never seen Evra give up other than that night at Wembley against Barcelona when he was totally outplayed.

Evra is a true leader. Despite all that racism drama, he has stayed tough and that is what you expect from a Warrior.

Phil Jones – Future

Before moving to Manchester United at the start of this season, Jones wondered if he would get enough playing time at Old Trafford. But, due to various reasons he has played almost 31 games that is more than most people in the squad.

Jones is vastly talented and there is no denying that. When you think about him, you can be sure that United’s future is in safe hands after Vidic and Ferdinand depart.

Rio Ferdinand – Strong

Rio Ferdinand’s days were supposed to be over. But, the Englishman has played 38 games this season, more than any other defender in the team except Evra.

Vedic and Ferdinand – The best center back paring in the League

He is 34 and his are numbered. Despite all that, Ferdinand has stayed strong and is giving every bit of his energy for the club that he loves.

Jonny Evans – Undervalued

Yes, Jonny Evans can have his share of bad days. Him getting sent off was a vital part in that 1-6 rout against Manchester City. But, the young defender has made amends and has helped United in the absence of Nemanja Vidic.

He might be undervalued but if he was really not talented, there would be no reason why Sir Alex stuck with him for all these years. You have to give Evans a chance before you can judge him.

Nemanja Vidic – The Wall

The reason why Manchester United have 19 trophies today is undoubtedly because of Nemanja Vidic. After coming to the club from Serbia, the defender has formed a great partnership with Rio Ferdinand and that has worked wonders for the club. He was made the club captain and was voted as their player of the season in 2010 by fans and team mates.

Vidic will return next season and United fans will be delighted to see him back in the starting eleven.

Rafael da Silva – Raw

This kid from Brazil might become our next Gary Neville in a few years. Other than the fact that he plays at Right Back, he has striking similarities with Neville. He is small but cocky, a defender with great attacking abilities and he loves the club too.

All that said, Rafael is like an unpolished diamond. He is raw but is capable of growing into a world class defender.

Raw and Tenacious

Fabio da Silva – Tenacious

Fabio is slightly better than his twin brother Rafael. From what we have seen of him, the kid is tenacious. He never lets go of his target-man, runs after the ball all the time and is a perfect team player.

He could well be a Patrice Evra one day.

Chris Smalling – Gallant

When Smalling walked off the park with his head bleeding against Athletico Bilbao, you knew that this kid was strong. Transferred from Fulham, there were loads of expectations on Smalling but he has lived up to the hype.

Ballsy Smalling

He might not be world class, but he has all the potential to become one.