Cryptic crossword clue
Gerrard’s dribbling around United’s area for defensive players 10

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word REARGUARDS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
E
A
R
G
U
A
R
D
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "defensive players/Unit" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case defensive players/unit = rearguards.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does REARGUARDS mean?

REARGUARDS noun
  1. The rearmost part of a force, especially a detachment of troops that protect the rear of a retreating force.
  2. The defence, collectively the defenders.

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