Cool Reds Defenders For Lindelof To Follow

Dubbed 'The Iceman', Victor Lindelof looks set to follow a long line of cool and composed Manchester United defenders.

Confident, ball-playing centre-backs have been a staple of the Reds' backlines throughout the Premier League era, with the club's 13 title wins built upon solid foundations that married defensive style with substance.

While United greats such as Steve Bruce, Jaap Stam and Nemanja Vidic were famed for their physical, no-nonsense approach, each of them had a partner at the heart of defence who was unflappable in the face of danger and calculating in distribution.

Here, we list five former defenders who remained remarkably cool when the heat was on.

GARY PALLISTER (1989-1998)

That United won three out of the first four Premier League titles from 1993 to 1996 is testimony to Pallister’s formidable partnership with Bruce, and the former’s assuredness seemed infectious as the Reds often won tight title races by a slender margin, with pressure gradually increasing throughout the season. Famed for finishing seasons strongly, Sir Alex Ferguson's team were able to count on the graceful no.6, one of the club’s most trusted lieutenants, to exude an air of calmness.

RONNY JOHNSEN (1996-2002)

Signed in the summer of 1996 to replace the Birmingham City-bound Bruce, Johnsen brought Scandinavian nous to the Premier League, and his calm nature also saw him thrive at the base of midfield when required. Bringing the best out of those around him in the heat of battle, Johnsen aptly slotted in alongside Pallister, David May or Henning Berg before forming his most formidable partnership with Jaap Stam in 1998/99 as United became Treble winners.

MIKAEL SILVESTRE (1999-2008)

Little was known about Silvestre in England prior to his move to Old Trafford, but the Frenchman quickly rose to Premier League prominence as an accomplished and cultured defender. Arriving with experience of top-flight football in Italy with Inter Milan, he was confident enough to perform just as competently at left-back as he did in central defence. Only one red card in almost 250 league appearances speaks volumes of his temperament.

LAURENT BLANC (2001-2003)

The World Cup winner was aged 35 when Sir Alex signed him and his experience proved crucial during the club's 2002/03 title-winning campaign. Blanc’s reading of the game and positional sense helped him to develop a reputation as one of the more unshakeable defenders in United’s rich Premier League history. An elder statesman of the side, the future France and Paris Saint-Germain manager flourished as a leader and sharpened the focus of his team-mates with unerring ease.

RIO FERDINAND (2002-2014)

Forming an impressive axis with Nemanja Vidic, Ferdinand was a perfect foil for the Serbian strongman, exuding grace when in possession and striding out of defence with the ball to commence a United attack. Rio's discipline on the pitch was commendable – the England international picked up just 20 yellow cards and one red in 12 years with United – and marks him out as one of the club’s coolest-ever defenders.

Over to you, Victor Lindelof.