Former Red Devils full-back Denis Irwin picked out the Manchester United legend who has been the “most consistent” player at Old Trafford during the Premier League era.
Irwin is thought of highly by his former United teammates, especially Roy Keane, and by Sir Alex Ferguson thanks to his illustrious playing career at the club.
Former United boss Ferguson paid the ultimate compliment when he said that Irwin, who was dubbed ‘Mr Reliable,’ would be the “one certainty” in his all-time United XI.
Irwin arrived at Old Trafford in 1990 after United paid Oldham Athletic a £650,000 transfer fee, with the Irishman making a long-lasting impression during his spell.
Often regarded as United’s best left-back of all time, the Red Devils legend provided Ferguson with tremendous versatility as a full-back option on either flank.
As impressive as he was with defending, Irwin added a formidable attacking presence from the full-back role and was proficient with free-kicks and penalties.
Irwin, who revealed the best dribbler he ever saw at United, left the club in 2002 after a glittering spell and went on to play for Wolves before retiring from football.
The ex-United left-back has since become a club ambassador after hanging up his boots, with one legendary Red Devils player making a lasting impression on Irwin.
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Irwin praised ‘consistent’ United legend Nemanja Vidic
Speaking to United’s official website in 2021, Irwin insisted that the “most consistent players” on the pitch are defenders ahead of strikers or midfielders.
The former Republic of Ireland international went on to single out Nemanja Vidic with praise after highlighting his formidable partnership with Rio Ferdinand.
“Probably the most consistent players are defenders. I’ve got to say that,” Irwin said at the time.
“Strikers, you know, go on unbelievable streaks but sometimes you’ve got to be super sharp to be a striker.
“So I’d probably pick a defender. Vidic was one of my favourite players.
“I think he was a great partner for Rio [Ferdinand]. He was just an out-and-out defender but I shouldn’t really say that because he could play football as well.
“He always came across as an out-and-out defender anyway and one no centre-forward would want to come up against.
“He very rarely made mistakes, was aggressive and scored a few important goals for us. I would say Vidic, on that front.”
Vidic was an exceptional Ferguson signing
While it might not be surprising that Irwin opted for a defender with his pick, it’s difficult to argue against Vidic’s consistency during his peak form under Ferguson.
The tail end of Vidic’s career was plagued with injuries, but his arrival at Old Trafford and how he complimented Ferdinand in defence made him an impervious figure.
The 42-year-old Serbian also excelled as captain of United, with Vidic enjoying an incredible trophy haul under a legendary club figure like Ferguson.
Before his departure to Inter Milan in 2014, Vidic lifted five Premier League titles, a Champions League and three League Cups with United.
It’s not surprising that Ferguson’s former right-hand man even named ex-United defender Vidic as one of his two favourite players at Old Trafford.
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