Manchester United have been blessed with some incredible centre-backs over the years.
Rio Ferdinand was an all-time Premier League great, Nemanja Vidic was a tough tackler at the back, while, even now, Ayden Heaven looks like a top prospect too.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, Bryan Robson has been building his ultimate all-time XI, and he named who he believes to be the greatest centre-back in Manchester United’s history.
Robson overlooked the likes of Ferdinand and Vidic, instead choosing Jaap Stam as the greatest centre-half in the history of Manchester United.
Jaap Stam named as Manchester United’s greatest ever defender
Robson spoke about Stam, putting him in his all-time XI at centre-back alongside Duncan Edwards.
Rio Ferdinand has previously hailed Stam, and Robson believes he’s United’s best ever centre-half.
“Alongside him, I put, he’s one of my favourites is Jaap Stam,” Robson said.
“He’s a man mountain. And for being as big as what he was, really quick feet and very fast, but a great passer at the ball. So Jaap Stam, the best centre-half I’ve seen at Old Trafford.”
Jaap Stam stats for Manchester United
Stam only played three full seasons for Manchester United, but the Dutchman was a seriously transformative figure at Old Trafford.
Indeed, Stam shored up Alex Ferguson’s defence, so much so that the Red Devils won the treble during his first season for the club after joining for £11m.
Stam’s overall record for United was nothing short of incredible.
| Jaap Stam stats for Manchester United | |
|---|---|
| 127 | |
| Wins | 63 |
| Draws | 37 |
| Losses | 17 |
| Clean sheets | 43 |
| Clean sheet percentage | 34% |
Stam spent three seasons at United, and it’s no coincidence that he won three Premier League titles with the club.
Unfortunately, Stam left Old Trafford prematurely, and he was one of the few transfers that Alex Ferguson lived to regret at United.
Bryan Robson has played with some defensive greats over his career, and he’s seen some of the best of the best at United, but, according to the former England captain, Stam was the greatest of the bunch.
