Manchester United is one of the most traditional clubs in England with a glorious history. However, not every contract brings success to the Old Trafford team. Especially in the defender position, where certainty and stability are required, many players have caused great disappointment. Their poor performances, individual mistakes and inconsistent form not only cost Manchester United results on the field but also opened up opportunities for bookmakers to exploit. In this article, Bestsoccertips.com will review the top 8 worst Man Utd defenders, and at the same time provide potential betting suggestions based on their form and mistakes.
Top 8 worst Man Utd defenders
Here are the top 8 worst Manchester United defenders who have been huge disappointments due to poor form or failing to live up to expectations:
Top 8: Eric Bailly
Eric Bailly joined Manchester United from Villarreal in 2016 for £30 million. Initially, Bailly was expected to become a defensive pillar due to his physical prowess and aggressive playing style. However, his career at Old Trafford was marred by injuries and inconsistent performances. Despite occasional brilliance, Bailly frequently made positional errors and clumsy decisions, putting his team at risk. His lack of composure led to several costly mistakes for Manchester United. Once considered a key center-back, Bailly eventually became a backup option and was loaned out after failing to meet expectations.
From a football betting perspective, Bailly’s presence on the pitch signals a higher likelihood of conceding goals. His mistakes can increase the opposition’s scoring chances, especially in high-stakes matches or against teams with fast attacking play. Bettors might consider wagering on the “Both Teams to Score” (BTTS) or “Over” markets, as Bailly’s errors raise the probability of multiple goals. Additionally, betting on opponent corner kicks is a viable option, given his tendency to clear the ball ineffectively.
Top 7: Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot arrived at Manchester United in 2018 from FC Porto for £19 million. The Portuguese full-back is praised for his attacking contributions but exhibits significant defensive weaknesses. Dalot often struggles against quick and technically skilled opponents. His poor positional awareness and slow reactions make him a vulnerable target on the right flank. Despite his potential, inconsistent form and defensive lapses prevent him from securing a regular starting spot.
When Dalot is on the field, bettors may consider placing wagers on “opponent corner kicks” or “goals from the right flank.” His tendency to push forward but fail to track back increases Manchester United’s chances of conceding through wide attacks. Furthermore, the “opponent to score first” market becomes appealing due to Dalot’s lapses in concentration, which often lead to early goals against fast-attacking teams.
Top 6: Gabriel Obertan
Gabriel Obertan joined Manchester United from Bordeaux in 2009 for £3 million. Although primarily a winger, Obertan was occasionally deployed as a defensive solution during injury crises. However, his defensive skills and ball-handling abilities fell short of expectations. His clumsy clearances and ineffective marking made Manchester United vulnerable to counterattacks. After two unremarkable seasons, Obertan was quickly offloaded.
When Obertan was on the pitch, bettors could consider wagers on “Asian Handicap – Opponent” or “First Team to Score.” His lack of confidence and individual errors often created scoring opportunities for opponents. Particularly against teams with potent attacks, Obertan’s defensive frailties significantly increased the likelihood of goals. Additionally, the “Over” market was worth considering due to his defensive lapses.
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Top 5: Alexander Büttner
Alexander Büttner joined Manchester United in 2012 as a backup for Patrice Evra. While he occasionally impressed in attack, his defensive positioning and marking were unreliable. Büttner struggled against physical attackers and was often exposed in one-on-one situations. His poor defensive awareness and uncontrolled forward runs made the left flank a weak point during his appearances.
When Büttner played, betting on the “Over” market or “Goals from the Left Flank” became more appealing. His defensive weaknesses increased the likelihood of Manchester United conceding from wide areas. Additionally, the “Opponent to Score First” market was viable, as Büttner often made errors early in matches, providing opponents with early scoring chances.
Top 4: Guillermo Varela
Guillermo Varela was David Moyes’ first signing in 2013, arriving with high expectations. Although he showed promise in the youth team, his performances for the senior side revealed several flaws. Varela’s slow decision-making and inaccurate passing made him an easy target for fast, skillful attackers. Despite receiving multiple chances, he failed to improve and was eventually phased out.
When Varela was on the pitch, bettors could target the “Opponent to Score First” or “Both Teams to Score” markets. His defensive mistakes increased the risk of conceding, especially against teams exploiting the right flank. Additionally, Varela’s errors often led to goal-scoring opportunities, making the “Over” market an attractive option when he featured.
Top 3: William Prunier
William Prunier played just two matches for Manchester United, but his performances left a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons. In a 4-1 defeat against Tottenham in 1996, Prunier struggled to cope with the opposition’s pressure. His poor positioning and weak tackling made him an easy target. His defensive inadequacies led Sir Alex Ferguson to let his contract expire, ending his brief and disappointing tenure.
When defenders with similar traits to Prunier are on the field, bettors might focus on the “Over” market or “Opponent to Score Multiple Goals.” Individual mistakes and poor defensive skills increase the likelihood of conceding. The “Opponent to Score First” market also holds potential, given the increased risk of early goals against defensively fragile players.
Top 2: Marcos Rojo
Marcos Rojo joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2014 with high expectations. However, his lack of discipline, positional errors, and reckless tackles made him a defensive liability. These issues frequently led to costly goals. Bettors should consider goal-related markets or foul-related wagers when defenders like Rojo are on the field.
Despite his physical attributes, Rojo’s inconsistent form and injury problems weakened Manchester United’s defense. In high-pressure games, he often struggled against aggressive opponents. Bettors could target “Both Teams to Score” (BTTS) or “Corner Kicks – Opponent” markets, as his defensive errors increased the likelihood of goal-scoring opportunities.
Top 1: Phil Jones
Phil Jones arrived at Manchester United from Blackburn Rovers in 2011 with the promise of becoming a defensive cornerstone. However, his career at Old Trafford has been defined by inconsistency and chronic injuries. Jones’ poor positional awareness and frequent mistakes make him a liability at the back. For bettors, his presence on the pitch suggests increased goal-scoring potential for the opposition.
Despite Sir Alex Ferguson’s early faith in him, Jones never lived up to expectations. His awkward defensive style and aerial weaknesses made him an easy target for opposing strikers. When analyzing bets, Jones’ involvement increases the chances of defensive errors. Bettors should consider markets such as “Opponent Corner Kicks” or “Late Goals,” as his nervousness late in games often leads to critical mistakes.
To Wrap It Up
Although Manchester United has had many defensive legends, there is no shortage of worst Man Utd defenders who have brought great disappointment. Their poor performances not only affect the team’s performance but also create opportunities for bettors to exploit bets related to goals conceded and defensive mistakes. Understanding each player’s weaknesses helps players make smarter and more accurate betting decisions, especially when Manchester United’s squad includes these unstable defenders.
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