Nemanja Vidic names best defender at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim now

Former Manchester United centre-back Nemanja Vidic has named Matthijs de Ligt as the best defender at the club under Ruben Amorim right now. The Dutchman has been at Old Trafford since arriving from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024.

The 26-year-old Dutchman has scored three times in 56 games across competitions for the Red Devils. One of those strikes have come this season from 14 appearances - in a 2-2 Premier League draw at Tottenham Hotspur in November.

De Ligt has been a key part of the United defence this season, playing the first 13 league games, helping keep one clean sheet (Sunderland at home in October). Although United are sixth in the standings after 16 games, they have conceded the most goals (22) in the top 10 after Liverpool (24).

Nevertheless, Vidic highlighted De Ligt's growing influence in a three-man United defence under Amorim, telling CBS Sport Golazo (as per United in Focus):

“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.

“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.”

The Red Devils trail leaders Arsenal (33) by seven points, winning seven of 16 outings.

What's next for Manchester United?

Manchester United have recovered from a slow start to the season to climb up the standings. Following a 4-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers - their second straight road victory, the Red Devils are unbeaten in three overall games.

Next up, Ruben Amorim's side host AFC Bournemouth in the league on Monday (June 15). They then travel to Aston Villa six days later and host Newcastle United on Boxing Day before ending the year with a home game against Wolves on December 30.

The Red Devils have no European commitments this season after failing to finish the league campaign in the European places and losing to Tottenham Hotspur in an all-English UEFA Europa League final.

Edited by Bhargav