Man Utd legend Gary Neville slams ‘you clearly didn’t watch him play’ as he names best full-back of Premier League era

GARY NEVILLE has insisted that one of his former Manchester United team-mates was the best full-back the Premier League has ever seen.

The ex-England right-back, now a pundit for Sky Sports, enjoyed a stellar career himself at the back for the Red Devils.

PA:Press AssociationDenis Irwin achieved legendary status during his time at Man Utd[/caption]

GettyGary Neville insists his old team-mate was the best of the Prem era[/caption]

He won the title eight times, two Champions Leagues and a host of other honours throughout his 20 years as a player for the club.

However, Neville has no doubts that one of his old colleagues is top of the lot when it comes to the greatest ever to grace the Premier League.

The 48-year-old took to Twitter to discuss the recent batch of nominees for the Premier League Hall of Fame, which he was named in.

One fan responded to him with: “Denis Irwin is criminally underrated, best full back since the Premier League began Gary or are we seeing this through red tinted glasses? I don’t think we are though.”

That led to Neville almost instantly replying: “Agree! Denis is the best full back in PL history! Fact.”

Another fan then hit back with: “Neville on a wind up. Irwin wouldn’t stand a chance under a Klopp or Pep…having to defend, attack, create and assist, sorry but none better than Robbo or Trent.”

To which Neville responded: “You didn’t watch him play then? Denis would play full back in any team of theirs! Left or Right! He didn’t give goals away, didn’t give the ball away, brilliant going forward and could take set pieces to the equal of most!”

Irish ace Irwin moved to United in 1990 and was undoubtedly one of Fergie’s greatest signings as he proved a snip at just £625,000 from Oldham.

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In 12 years at Old Trafford, he made 296 Premier League appearances and won seven league titles, as well as two FA Cup winner’s medals, a League Cup and the Champions league and European Cup Winners’ Cup.

He was also an expert at both free-kicks and penalties, and he managed to score 22 league goals for the club throughout that period. 

The now 57-year-old, who also won 56 caps for Ireland, left United for Wolves in 2002 and helped them to win promotion to the top-flight via the play-offs.

He retired from playing at the end of the following campaign having made 75 league appearances for the Molineux outfit.