Running through the contenders for Manchester United’s best left-backs of the 21st Century.
We are approaching the end of the first 25 years of the 2000s, and with the help of United In Focus readers, we are selecting our best team of the 21st Century to date.
The battle to be selected top goalkeeper is a two-horse race between Edwin van der Sar and David de Gea.
Left-back throws up a more varied list of contenders, and we want you to cast your vote…
Who is the best Man Utd LEFT-BACK 2000-2025? Cast your vote 🗳️
Help us pick our best XI…
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Mikael Silvestre
After signing from Inter Milan in 1999, Mikael Silvestre began the century as Manchester United’s left-back.
He later switched to play a centre-back role, switching positions and playing a vital role across four title-winning seasons. He made more than 360 appearances for the club.
Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze celebrates against Watford.
Photo credit should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images
Gabriel Heinze
There was a time in the early 2000s where Gabriel Heinze was a big fan favourite and earned raucous chants of ‘Argentina’ from the Old Trafford crowd.
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Heinze’s uncompromising style made him a fearsome defender for opponents to go up against, as Arsenal found out to their cost when Manchester United ended their unbeaten run.
The defender’s spell at United ended under a cloud after trying to force a move. He was sold to Real Madrid in 2007, winning one title with the Red Devils.
John O’Shea
John O’Shea looked like a potential world-beater at left-back when he nutmegged Figo at Old Trafford in the Champions League against Real Madrid.
O’Shea would later play at centre-back, midfield and right-back, becoming an ultimate utility player for the club, playing 393 games.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra signed for United in 2007 and had a tough start, before developing into one of the club’s best ever defenders.
Evra’s ability in defence and attack, along with his irrepressible personality saw him become a real fan favourite.
A starter in United’s 2008 Champions League win, Evra played 393 United games and won five Premier League titles.
Ashley Young
First signed as a winger, Ashley Young extended his Manchester United career by switching positions to left-back.
Young went on to captain United as a left-back and play for England at the position.
Luke Shaw for Manchester United in 2025
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw signed for Manchester United in 2014 and overcame a horrific leg injury a year later, and is still a key player in 2025.
Currently playing as a centre-back in a back three, if United reverted to a back four, Luke Shaw would still be the first choice option.
Shaw has struggled with his fitness, but still managed to see off competition for his place, despite a brief threat from Alex Telles.
Who is the best Man Utd goalkeeper 2000-2025? Cast your VOTE 🗳️
Help us pick our best XI!
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
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