25. Danny Simpson

Salford-born defender Danny Simpson has represented United at all levels since signing with the Reds' Academy in July 2003.

The robust, tough-tackling full-back can play anywhere across the back, but has settled as a right-back in recent years, having honed his position during a host of successful loan deals.

'Simmo', as he is known around Carrington, climbed through the club's youth ranks and represented Paul McGuinness' under-18s before gradually establishing himself in the Reds' successful Reserves team, playing a part in the 2004/05 quadruple and the 2005/06 treble triumphs.


Danny's form earned him a loan move to Royal Antwerp in January 2006, where his impressive displays yielded a spot on the club's 2006/07 pre-season tour of South Africa. With the route to senior opportunities still blocked by Gary Neville and Wes Brown, however, he rejoined Antwerp for another loan deal.

After returning in December 2006, Danny and team-mate Jonny Evans were snapped up to temporarily aid Roy Keane's Sunderland in their push for the Premier League. Having played an integral role in taking the Black Cats up, Simmo was handed a United first team debut in September 2007.

Unfortunately, Danny's bow was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons as the Reds crashed out of the Carling Cup to Coventry City. While a number of that side were farmed out on loan, Simpson remained at Old Trafford and went on to made eight appearances across all four major competitions.

The form of Wes Brown rarely allowed anyone else a look-in at right-back, however, and a brief late-season loan to Ipswich Town beckoned. A season-long deal then took Simmo to Blackburn Rovers for the 2008/09 campaign, with a view to giving him the platform to showcase his undoubted talent.