Rio Ferdinand has ignited a fiery discussion by boldly asserting that one of Manchester United’s past defensive titans, Jaap Stam, outshone Liverpool’s modern stalwart Virgil van Dijk.

During the era of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, Manchester United was a dominant force, securing a plethora of trophies that have since become part of the club’s illustrious history. Among the revered figures from that era is Ferdinand himself, celebrated as a legend at Old Trafford. However, preceding Ferdinand’s tenure, there was another defensive colossus who graced the hallowed grounds of Manchester United.

Jaap Stam’s arrival at Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven in 1998 for a hefty sum of £10.75 million marked the dawn of an era of defensive solidity. The Dutchman swiftly entrenched himself as a linchpin in the Red Devils’ backline, playing a pivotal role in clinching both the Premier League and Champions League titles in his debut season. Stam’s tenure at Old Trafford was marked by unyielding dominance, as he played a pivotal role in securing two additional league titles in subsequent years.

Stam’s influence extended far beyond his on-field heroics, as he etched his name into Manchester United folklore with 127 appearances across all competitions, including 79 in the Premier League. His remarkable feat of winning the Premier League title in each of his three seasons solidified his status as one of the club’s defensive greats, with Ferdinand remaining an ardent admirer of his talents.

In a recent segment on Mail Sport, Ferdinand was tasked with choosing between Jaap Stam and a cadre of other Premier League defensive stalwarts, including the likes of Virgil van Dijk, John Terry, Ledley King, Tony Adams, Sol Campbell, Kolo Toure, and William Saliba. Unwavering in his conviction, Ferdinand emphatically declared Stam as the standout choice, eclipsing even the formidable Van Dijk.

When pressed on the specific comparison between Stam and Van Dijk, Ferdinand’s resounding endorsement of Stam’s superiority underscores his enduring respect and admiration for the Dutchman’s legacy at Manchester United.

However, despite Stam’s monumental contributions to the Red Devils, his tenure at the club was abruptly curtailed by a surprising decision. In a twist of fate, Sir Alex Ferguson sanctioned Stam’s departure to Lazio in 2001, a decision that would later evoke regret. Reflecting on this pivotal moment in 2013, Ferguson openly acknowledged his disappointment, recognizing it as one of the notable regrets of his illustrious managerial career.