Goalkeeper: Harry Gregg
A fantastic keeper born in Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, Gregg spent nine years at United, in which time he displayed bravery and brilliance on and off the pitch. The inside neck of this year’s shirt carries three words: youth, courage and success. Gregg certainly defined courage, not only for his brave actions in the Munich Air Disaster – in which he pulled team-mates and passengers from the burning debris of a plane – but also on the pitch. Tall, powerful and very vocal, Gregg was a brilliant goalkeeper and a leader. He played through injuries – including a fractured skull and an arm that could hardly bend – to give his all for United.
Right-back: Rafael
Tenacious, argumentative and always up for big games, the Brazilian full-back was the favourite of many a United fan during his time at the club. Screamers, followed by passionate celebrations, against QPR and Liverpool helped, and so does his continued love for the club since his departure.
Centre-back: Nemanja Vidic
He’d fly into tackles with his foot or his head, or whatever other part of his body he thought could help him win the ball. He loved attacking everything, those blue eyes narrowing, honing in on the target and pouncing. As former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor said: “Vidic was the tough man, like running into a rock. He could block a striker with a single finger. He walks on you, he says sorry, he kicks you, he says sorry. He shouts at you and makes a little bit of spit come out. This guy was ready to kill.”
