Manchester United has had its fair share of defensive legends, but not every player to don the famous red shirt has lived up to expectations. Over the years, the club has signed several defenders who, instead of strengthening the backline, became infamous for costly mistakes, lackluster performances, and underwhelming spells at Old Trafford. From high-profile signings that failed to deliver to academy graduates who couldn't make the step up, defensive woes have been a recurring issue at times. In this article, Win Betting Tips take a closer look at the Top 8 worst Man Utd defenders in Premier League history- players whose performances left fans frustrated and managers searching for better options.
Top 8 worst Man Utd defenders in Premier League history
We'll look at the entire squad and rank the 8 worst Man utd defenders in the Premier League:
8. Raphael Varane
Raphael Varane, once a defensive titan at Real Madrid, arrived at Old Trafford with high expectations. His past achievements in La Liga and the Champions League made him seem like the perfect addition to bolster United’s backline. However, his time in England has not lived up to the hype.
Initially, Varane’s presence was seen as a game-changer, but injuries and inconsistent form have plagued his tenure. While he still possesses the experience and composure of a seasoned defender, his physicality and positioning have not been as reliable as they once were. Erik ten Hag has gradually phased him out of the starting lineup, preferring other defensive options. With rumors swirling about a potential departure, Varane’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain.
7. Sofyan Amrabat
Manchester United’s signing of Sofyan Amrabat was met with optimism, as many believed he would be the answer to the club’s long-standing midfield issues. The Moroccan midfielder had impressed on the international stage, particularly during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and his dynamic, hard-working style seemed like a perfect fit for Ten Hag’s system. However, his impact has been far from what was expected.
Rather than solidifying United’s midfield, Amrabat has struggled to find his rhythm in the Premier League. His performances have lacked the energy and dominance that made him a standout for Morocco and Fiorentina. Whether it’s due to tactical mismatches, confidence issues, or simply the difficulty of adapting to English football, his slow start has raised concerns about whether he can truly be the midfield enforcer United needs.
6. Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen’s move to Manchester United came after a successful stint at Brentford, where he showcased his playmaking abilities and technical brilliance. United saw him as a valuable free-transfer signing who could provide creativity in midfield. However, while his vision and passing range remain top-class, his physical limitations have started to show.
As the season progresses, it’s becoming evident that Eriksen is no longer the influential player he once was. His lack of defensive contributions has made him a liability, particularly in a system that requires midfielders to press and cover ground effectively. Once a key figure in the squad, Eriksen has slowly been pushed to the periphery, struggling to keep up with the pace of the Premier League.
5. Mason Mount- Among the worst Man Utd defenders
Mason Mount arrived at Manchester United in the summer with high expectations, having been one of Chelsea’s standout players in previous seasons. However, his transition to Old Trafford has been far from smooth. Struggling to find his rhythm, the English midfielder has failed to make a significant impact, leaving fans and pundits questioning his role in the team. His performances have lacked creativity and attacking spark, leading to a disappointing.
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Mount’s performances is his lack of end product. With just one assist in all competitions and no goals, he has yet to justify the hefty £60 million United spent on his transfer. Given his reputation as a technically gifted midfielder capable of influencing games, his slow start has been frustrating for supporters. Mount's struggles could stem from tactical adjustments, confidence issues, or even injuries, but one thing is clear-he needs to improve significantly to avoid being labeled as one of United's most underwhelming signings in recent years.
4. Facundo Pellistri
With Manchester United facing attacking inconsistencies this season, every forward has been given a chance to impress, including Facundo Pellistri. Despite receiving several opportunities, the young Uruguayan winger has failed to capitalize on them. He has not provided the spark that Erik ten Hag hoped for when including him in the squad.
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Pellistri’s main issue lies in his end product- while he possesses pace and agility, his decision-making in the final third has been questionable. His lack of goals and assists has made him an unreliable option, particularly when compared to United’s other wingers. With strong competition in the wide areas, including Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho, Pellistri’s lackluster performances may see him pushed further down the pecking order. If he fails to make the most of his limited chances, a loan move or even a permanent transfer could be on the horizon.
3. Anthony Martial- One of the worst Man Utd defenders
Once seen as the future of Manchester United’s attack, Anthony Martial has become a shadow of the player who burst onto the scene in 2015 with a stunning debut goal against Liverpool. After nearly a decade at Old Trafford, his time at the club is coming to an end, with United opting not to renew his contract. Given his disappointing form, it's no surprise that the club is ready to move on.
Despite playing 19 times in all competitions, the French forward has managed only two goals, an embarrassing return for a player leading the line at a club of United’s stature. His lack of consistency, coupled with ongoing injury concerns, has made him a liability rather than an asset.
2. Rasmus Hojlund
When Manchester United signed Rasmus Hojlund for over £60 million, fans expected him to be the missing piece in their attacking puzzle. The Danish striker had shown glimpses of immense potential at Atalanta, and his physical presence, speed, and finishing ability suggested he could thrive in the Premier League. However, his performances so far have been a story of contrasts- while he has shone brightly in the Champions League, his form in the Premier League has been highly disappointing.
In European competition, Hojlund has netted five goals, making him one of the top scorers alongside Erling Haaland at one point. His ability to find space, make intelligent runs, and finish clinically was on full display, raising hopes that United had found their next great striker. Unfortunately, that form has not translated to the league, where he has failed to score a single goal in 12 appearances.
1. Lisandro Martinez
It may come as a surprise that Lisandro Martinez, one of Manchester United’s standout players last season, finds himself at the bottom of this list. Last season, Martinez was a revelation at Old Trafford, forming a solid partnership with Raphael Varane at the heart of United’s defense. His aggressive tackling, composure on the ball, and leadership qualities made him a fan favorite. However, injuries have severely hampered his 2023/24 season, preventing him from finding the rhythm and affecting his performances when he has been available.
When Martinez has played, he has looked rusty and uncharacteristically shaky, which has contributed to United’s defensive struggles this season. His limited appearances make it difficult to assess his form fairly, but given his talent and mentality, there is little doubt that he will improve once fully fit.
In summary
Over the years, Manchester United has seen some world-class defenders grace the pitch, but not every signing has lived up to expectations. From costly errors to inconsistent performances, the worst Man Utd defenders have left fans frustrated and questioning the club’s recruitment strategy. While some players struggled due to tactical mismatches or injuries, others simply failed to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
Refer to: Top 6 worst open goal misses that left fans in disbelief.
