Nani claims the best defender of all-time actually played for Manchester United
Manchester United have had some brilliant defenders at the club over the past 26 years, and Nani thinks one is actually the best ever.When it comes to considering the greatest of all time in each position on a football pitch, Manchester United have shouts for quite a few positions.Cristiano Ronaldo and George Best are in the greatest of all time conversations, while Paul Scholes and Roy Keane have claims on the midfield.The defence is no different, with Nani believing the best central defender of all time was his teammate. Who is the BEST Manchester United centre-back 2000-2025? Cast your vote! 🗳️ The top TWO make it into our best XI 👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Nani picks out the best defender of all time to be Manchester United teammateNani was part of the 2008 United double-winning side, which lifted the Champions League and the Premier League.Back then, Nani was only a youngster this season, yet racked up 17 goal contributions in all competitions. Nani retired in 2024 following a 19-year career in football, which saw him achieve plenty with a CV that would make most envious.Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty ImagesNani was part of a squad packed full of world-class players, and now, in a quick-fire interview with ESPN, he has picked two of those teammates in categories.When asked who the best defender ever was, Nani, without hesitation, named Nemanja Vidic.This is a pick that few would disagree with, given Vidic was a two-time Premier League Player of the Year winner.Nani also named Patrice Evra as the player with the greatest aura in footballing history.Vidic is one of United’s best ever, and a player like the Serbian would be welcomed in the current squad.Nemanja Vidic is Manchester United’s greatest defender of all timeNani isn’t the only person to pick Vidic as the best.Wayne Rooney has always spoken highly of Vidic, explaining how the centre-back actually made him play even better.Meanwhile, Jonny Evans hailed Vidic’s role in his development, along with Rio Ferdinand, who is another in contention to be the best.Even as he aged, Vidic was still amazing for David Moyes, as the Scottish coach once praised him.Finally, Leny Yoro is a vocal fan of Vidic, wanting to emulate the Serbian in his career, which he has all the potential to do.Vidic might not be the best ever, with Paolo Maldini sure to have something to say about this, but he is certainly United’s. Join Our Newsletter Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
