Nemanja Vidić has raved about one of Manchester United’s most important stars, saying he is “the best player” in his position under Rúben Amorim.
Manchester United currently sit sixth in the Premier League, just one point behind Crystal Palace in fourth, as Ruben Amorim looks to secure a return to Europe next season.
After a mixed start to the season marred by inconsistency, the Red Devils have now had only one defeat in their last nine fixtures. They are still fresh off a dominant 4-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Bryan Mbeumo.
United are also third on the scoring list with 26 goals scored this season, almost halfway to matching last season’s tally of 44.
However, one area of concern will be the defence as Amorim’s side has only kept one clean sheet all season.
De Ligt the best defender so far, according to Vidić
Nemanja Vidić is arguably one of, if not the greatest, defender in Premier League history. The Manchester United great has recently spoken to CBS about the importance of clean sheets, something United have struggled sorely with this season.
For United to start winning trophies again, this is an issue they need to sort out. “I honestly believe that the defenders bring the trophies because if you look at the statistics in the past 10, 15, 20 years, you will see that the team that concede the least goals win the trophies. I think that’s important,” he said.
“I think this season, Man United, there were the games they play well at the back, but there were some games, they concede a few goals.
“So, if you look at [it] statistically, you will say that we still concede too many goals, but I agree that some players improved their game and [are] then playing this season much better,” he said.
The Serbian also spotlighted Matthijs De Ligt as one of their key cogs at the back with his consistency despite some of the woes United have faced in keeping the ball out of the net.
“De Ligt is, I think, the best player at the back for Man United. So, I think consistency is the key. If you want to play for Man United, you have to perform week in, week out. You know, you cannot afford to have one good game and two bad games.
“Man United, you always have to think about tomorrow and never look back, and you have to compete, and you have to perform to the best of your capabilities.”
De Ligt will be a huge miss
As Vidić pointed out, De Ligt has not just been one of United’s best defenders this season but one of the contenders for player of the season. Growing not just as a player, but also in his presence on the field as a leader marshalling the defenders.
However, the Dutchman has been out injured and has not appeared since the 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace. Not only has De Ligt been a miss, but also Harry Maguire, who has also been injured.
With Noussair Mazaroui set to leave for AFCON after the 15th, and it is not yet confirmed to play against Bournemouth, it leaves United without much depth and a lack of experience.
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Should the three defenders all miss the game against the Cherries on Monday, Luke Shaw will be the most experienced defender. He would be accompanying the young Leny Yoro, who has been in mixed form, and Ayden Heaven, who has only played a handful of games in his career.
Amorim will be hoping that De Ligt, who is entering his prime years, and the experience of Harry Maguire return quickly as the festive period ramps up.
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