Nemanja Vidic is now convinced that one Manchester United star is the Red Devils’ “best player” when it comes to the backline under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Manchester United underwent a significant change to their backline set-up after Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout in 2024.
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Amorim rolled out his tactical system at United – the same as he used at Sporting CP – and the Red Devils shifted from a four-man backline to a three-man defence.
United also axed the use of traditional full-backs and the Red Devils have adopted the use of wing-backs as part of Amorim’s blueprint for the club’s playing style.
Amorim, who left his role at Sporting CP during the 2024-25 season, has not avoided criticism about United’s defence since the start of his Old Trafford reign.
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Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic attends the International Champions Cup China press briefing in 2016 in Beijing, China.
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Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic breaks down the defence set-up of the Red Devils under Ruben Amorim
Nemanja Vidic is widely regarded as one of the best Premier League defenders of all time and had a sensational impact during his prolific spell at Old Trafford.
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The 44-year-old Manchester United legend struck up a formidable – and iconic – partnership with ex-England star Rio Ferdinand during their time in the backline.
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Vidic, who was brought to Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, dropped his two cents on United’s defensive frailties under Ruben Amorim at times this season.
“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,” he told CBS Sports Golazo.
“I think that’s important. I think this season, Man United, some games they play well at the back, but in some games, they concede a few goals.”
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Nemanja Vidic explains Matthijs de Ligt’s importance to the three-man Man Utd backline
Matthijs de Ligt has been all too familiar with playing in a three-man backline, having been used in the defensive set-up during his time with the Netherlands.
The 26-year-old Dutchman has become a key figure for United manager Amorim in the backline, with Matthijs de Ligt often deployed centrally in defence.
Vidic believes that De Ligt has been one of the better-performing players in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign under Amorim and has improved as well.
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“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.
“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.”
De Ligt’s absence from United first-team action has been felt in recent weeks after the former Ajax star has missed the last two Premier League matches due to injury.
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