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Manchester United have been home to some of the top talents in world football, but a few unsung heroes didn't receive their due recognition.
While big-money and big-name signings often hog all the attention, it is the hard-working players operating relentlessly out of the limelight that form the engine-room of elite teams like Manchester United. These players have no qualms doing the 'dirty work' to keep the team ticking.
Five Manchester United players who have flown under the radar this century:
Manchester United's legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson had some of the game's top talents at his disposal. But his squads were built around players of the likes of Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Dennis Irwin, among others.
These players earned an enormous reputation and recognition for the vital roles they played for United while lsrgely operating under the radar. On that note, let’s take a look at the five most underrated Manchester United players since the turn of the century.
#5 Daley Blind
Daley Blind was brought in by his compatriot Loius van Gaal at Manchester United, where he started off as a holding midfielder.
When he left Manchester United to return home to Ajax, he transitioned into a left-back. That’s just one of many roles Blind played for Manchester United during his four-season stay at the club, as he was vital in addressing his team's defensive fragilities.
The Dutchman was first transformed into a centre-back under Van Gaal, owing to the unreliable defensive pairings and injuries at the back. It was thought that Blind would not be able to cope with the physical requirements in a central defensive role.
But he remains one of Manchester United’s finest central defenders in the post-Ferguson era of signings. Blind brought his immense technical ability, along with precise passing and a calm presence in defence, to the fore.
Under Jose Mourinho, the now-31-year-old got converted into a left-back and excelled in that role as well. Whenever Manchester United were plagued by a lengthy injury list or absence of first-team regulars at a particular position, Blind would always step in and do the needful.
Now at Ajax, Blind played a crucial role in the Eredivisie club's dream run to Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
#4 John O’Shea
Much like Daley Blind, John O'Shea donned many hats for Manchester United, showcasing his immense versatility to pull off all the roles. O'Shea got promoted to the Manchester United first team from their academy in 2001-02.
Versatile players like O’Shea and Blind are a manager’s dream. But their vital contributions are often overlooked; they are seen as bit-part players and never get the chance to establish themselves in their preferred positions. However, O’Shea did not put a foot wrong at Manchester United and was one of Sir Alex Ferguson's most trusted players.
The now-39-year-old, however, never received the recognition he deserved from fans as well as the club. That was despite O'Shea making 394 appearances for Manchester United while operating in midfield and virtually any position across the back four.
O’Shea won a Champions League and five Premier League trophies in a glorious decade-long stint at Manchester United.
#3 Darren Fletcher
Next up, we have another Manchester United academy graduate, Darren Fletcher. After a difficult start with the first team, Fletcher slowly earned his place in Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting XI.
The Scot was promoted to the Manchester United first team in 2003 but took time to adjust to the demands of Premier League football. But thanks to his hard work, Fletcher turned things around and put on solid performances, which made him a fixture in the Manchester United midfield.
Fletcher was in the mould of players like Michael Carrick, and Sir Alex Ferguson trusted his compatriot to marshall the Manchester United midfield. In the club's star-studded midfield, Fletcher was an assured presence. But it’s often easy to forget the massive role he played, especially in big games for the club.
However, the former West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City midfielder was constantly hampered by injuries throughout his stint at Manchester United, which inhibited his career progression.
In 13 seasons at Old Trafford, Fletcher represented the Red Devils on 342 occasions, winning five Premier League titles, one Champions League and two league cups, among various honours.
#2 Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick was the most underrated Premier League player of his generation - excelling in his role as a holding midfielder under Sir Alex Ferguson.
He earned belated recognition from the Manchester United faithful, thanks to his enormous performances in the unglamorous holding midfielder role. Carrick was a crucial part of Manchester United’s XI in three consecutive Premier League title triumphs and also won the Champions League in his first three seasons at the club.
Michael Carrick spent the better part of his career at England’s most successful club, making 464 appearances. The Englishman, widely regarded as a Manchester United legend, is now associated with the club in a coaching role after his retirement.
#1 Park Ji-Sung
Park Ji-Sung was exceptional for Manchester United, for whom he was a key player under Sir Alex Ferguson in the 2000s.
The South Korean is arguably Manchester United’s greatest unsung hero, who never got any recognition and plaudits he deserved. He was one of Manchester United’s most dependable players, providing support to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Carlos Tevez.
Initially considered to be a commercial signing, Ji-Sung proved his doubters wrong, as he showcased his tremendous quality over time. Moreover, the South Korean was a workhorse and always gave his 100%.
Park Ji-Sung, only the second Asian player to represent Manchester United, made 207 appearances for the club, scoring 28 goals and providing 29 assists.
