Red mist, red cards and Reds heroes - Manchester United's top 10 hardest players
12.09.2023 - 11:27
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Some players are renowned for their toughness and Manchester United have had more than their fair share of notable hardmen.
Successful sides usually require a leader - or more than one - that approaches every game with a fierce intensity. Whether it be tough tackling, willingness to play through the pain, or refusal to let an opponent get the better of them, their no-nonsense approach often leads them to being adored by fans.
Given United’s enviable trophy haul through the years, the Reds have often had at least one player that was feared by everyone on the opposing team. Here’s a look at the 10 hardest players in United's history:
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Roy Keane
Likely the first name that springs to mind for many United supporters - and every other club - when thinking about the most fierce footballers. Keane was the dictionary definition of a captain, making sure all of his teammates lived up to his own high standards.
That tackle on Alf Inge Haaland, being sent home from the 2002 World Cup, and 10 red cards are all examples of when Keane overstepped the mark. However, his desire to win helped lead United to seven league titles, with his tough tackling often leading his skill with the ball to be overlooked. Keane’s career will forever be remembered for his battles with Patrick Vieira, as well as his tempestuous relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson.
Nemanja Vidic
When Keane departed Old Trafford, it did not take too long before Nemanja Vidic filled the hardman void. He was an imperious centre-back, who was willing to put his body, and often face, on the line in order to secure victory.
The Serbian international once said, “You can fix