Insightful comments from former opponent Emmanuel Adebayor have shed light on how players once feared playing against Manchester United’s defence.
Adebayor is a physically imposing figure himself, but admits he was no match for ex-United star Nemanja Vidic.
Speaking to The Mail, the former Arsenal, City and Tottenham striker said he hated playing against Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.
Rio insulted everyone on the pitch. He is proper psycho!
‘But Vidic was the tough man, the nastiest, like running into a rock. He could block a striker with a single finger. He walks on you, he says sorry, he kicks you, he says sorry. He shouts at you and makes a little bit of spit come out. This guy was ready to kill.’
What United need
Adebayor’s comments may be dramatic, but they highlight what United no longer have.
Defence is United’s weak point and Vidic and Ferdinand have never been effectively replaced.
We thought for a season that Eric Bailly was capable, only for him to take a step back.
Victor Lindelöf has shown promise and is the club’s greatest hope right now.
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Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have shown to be incapable of replicating Vidic and Ferdinand.
United need new centre-backs, and they need warriors at the back, who can intimidate the opposition.
Adebayor’s comments are a stark reminder of the level of players United once had, who were crucial to the team’s success.
This summer is a huge one for United in the transfer market. A dominant centre-back, even two, should be top of the list.
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