Nemanja Vidic suggests Man United could end up copying Chelsea

Nemanja Vidic has suggested that Manchester United could end up following in Chelsea’s footsteps by playing three at the back.

Chelsea have earned plenty of praise for their performances this season following Antonio Conte’s decision to switch to a 3-4-3 formation earlier in the campaign.

The west London club have not looked back and currently lead the Premier League by 10 points after a brilliant run of form under their new manager.

Manchester United legend Vidic is not personally a fan of the formation, but accepts that playing three defenders could end up being the future – even for Manchester United.

Speaking in an interview with ESPN, Vidic said: “I played in a three at Inter and I didn’t enjoy it.

“But a three can quickly become five, and if you have two wingers then it can be effective, but it’s not how I see the perfect football team.

“I prefer 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, but then each manager does the best with the players he has.

“I also know how football is changing and that Chelsea are likely to win the league playing three at the back.

“Three at the back may become the future, and Barcelona are the best example of the changes. Midfielders play as centre-backs, but if you play Barcelona then you’re playing a team who will always attack.

“[At United] I still think that Phil Jones and/or Chris Smalling could build a partnership with Bailly. Smalling has the mentality to defend, the physical size to do it. He likes to defend.”

Manchester United are currently preparing for their Premier League clash against West Brom at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

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The Red Devils are fifth in the table as they chase Champions League qualification in Jose Mourinho’s first season in charge at the club.

Mourinho was brought in last summer after Louis van Gaal led the Red Devils to a fifth-placed finish and the FA Cup, but was sacked soon after.