Staff : First Team : Gabriel Heinze

Gabriel Heinze is a winger's nightmare. Relentlessly determined and a ruthless hunter of possession, his characteristics have made him a firm fans' favourite at Old Trafford.

Born to a German father and Italian mother, it was little surprise Heinze left his native Argentina for Europe after just eight games with Newell’s Old Boys. The defender joined Real Valladolid in 1997, aged 19, before a loan move to Sporting Lisbon the following year. Another transfer saw Gabby join Paris St Germain, where he caught the eye of United’s scouts.

A £6.9million move to Old Trafford was tied up in June 2004,

but Argentina’s participation in the Olympic Games deprived Sir Alex of his new signing for a further three months. Complete with Olympic gold medal, Gabby scored on his debut against Bolton. But his tough-tackling style and infectious determination that won more plaudits than his goalscoring prowess. Heinze added bite to United's defence, and his fine first season earned him the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award.

Heinze was cruelly robbed of playing in an FA Cup final when a knee injury ruled him out of the defeat to Arsenal. However, that was nothing in comparison to the heartbreak he suffered just six games into the 2005/06 campaign. He damaged his knee ligaments against Villarreal, ensuring he played no further part in the season.

His determination brought about a remarkable recovery, returning for United's Reserves eight months later. Argentina coach Jose Pekerman named Heinze in his World Cup squad - the perfect reward for his hard work.