Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidić has controversially claimed that he would not take Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk over United’s defensive options.
Van Dijk has been a star figure for the Reds since signing from Southampton in a £75million move last January, and has been integral to the club’s title charge this season.
The Reds have conceded just 15 goals in the Premier League this campaign so far, and the ever-present Dutchman is a major part of that success.
Manchester United however haven’t had such consistency at the back, having conceded 35 goals with the centre-back pairing always shifting between Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and Victor Lindelöf.
However, Vidić still doesn’t see the Netherlands international breaking into the starting line-up at Old Trafford, despite the bizarre nature of that claim. As reported by Liverpool Echo, Vidić said:
Overall, I said even before when they didn’t have great games, if you look at the other teams, I would not have any defenders of Liverpool or Chelsea. I don’t think they have better defenders than we have.
I think he’s (Van Dijk) doing a great job – he’s strong physically, he’s fast, he’s a presence on the pitch. He’s a great defender, top defender, but I’m saying when teams are doing well, everyone gets recognition.
I know that because I played for Man United and when you’re doing well, when you’re scoring goals, (getting) a few clean sheets, straight away people start talking about how good you are. I think that’s why I like to believe that we have good defenders.
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