Manchester United have had a number of great defenders through the years, forming the bedrock of the team’s success.
Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson famously said: “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.”
It’s one of the many reasons why United got nowhere near last season, with an injury-hit defence requiring constant rotation.
What would United give right now for a defender Ferguson famously and controversially sold at his peak, Jaap Stam?
‘Jaap Stam is Netherlands’ best’
The Netherlands national team has also had some great defenders through the years.
The most high profile Dutch centre-back at the moment is Virgil van Dijk, but he has come in for heavy criticism in his homeland during Euro 2024.
Speaking this week to Voetbal Primeur, Ronald de Boer said that Jaap Stam is the best Dutch centre-back of all time.
He said: “Everyone has experienced players in their own time who were great, but Jaap was really a monster.”
Asked directly if Stam was better than Van Dijk, he responded: “Yes.”
Jaap Stam won everything at Manchester United
Jaap Stam spent three years at Manchester United between 1998 and 2001 and won everything in his sight.
He won three consecutive Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one Champions League.
United fans still fondly remember Ivan Zamorano trying to barge him out the way in the 1999 clash with Inter Milan, and reacting with shock, like he had just walked into a brick wall.
When it comes to the all-time Premier League lists, Stam gets left off sometimes due to a lack of longevity, just three seasons, yet he could not have done more.
He went on to star for Lazio, AC Milan and Ajax, leaving amid a clash with Ferguson after releasing his own autobiography, which caused some uncomfortable headlines.
Former teammate Gary Neville last year lamented the decision, telling Stick To Football: “Sir Alex Ferguson has since admitted it was a mistake [letting go of Jaap Stam]. When it happened, it was a massive shock.
“It’s a travesty really that [Jaap] only played for Manchester United for three years.
“The quality of centre-back [Jaap] was – one of the best centre-backs that’s ever played in the Premier League, let alone at Manchester United.”
Neville’s comments along with Ronald de Boer’s really highlight the respect Stam commanded, and that was just from the defenders who played alongside him. Strikers who played against him stood no chance.