Manchester United’s defence has been more susceptible this season than it was last year.

The Red Devils led the Premier League with 19 clean sheets in 2017-18, but they’ve conceded in all but six of their 26 matches to date this season.

The 35 goals that they’ve allowed is the same number that the top two clubs in the league, Man City (20) and Liverpool (15), have conceded combined.

Yet former club captain Nemanja Vidic remains impressed with the work of Man United’s defenders this season.

Vidic, who won five Premier League titles during his Old Trafford career, is widely regarded as one of the finest centre-backs to play for the club.

And despite the concerns surrounding the defensive talent currently available to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Serbian has seen an improvement in the players in recent weeks.

Vidic was speaking to MUTV when he claimed that Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea don’t have better defenders than Man United.

Vidic: Man United have the best defenders

“I think that, with all these defenders, I have had these questions even before when they ask me about Manchester United and how they have to buy a defender,” Vidic said, per Man United’s website.

“My feeling is that I look at the defenders at Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, and I don’t think they have better defenders than we have at the club.

“That’s my feeling, personally.”

Virgil van Dijk has performed at an exceptional level for Liverpool this season, while Aymeric Laporte’s displays for Man City have earned him a contract extension.

Yet Vidic only wanted to heap praise on Man United’s Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

“I agree [Smalling is under-rated],” he added. “I think he has quality. I played with him and know what he can do.

“Since Ole came, Phil has played most of the games so I think Ole has trust in him.

“He is a player I played with and I think, it’s the same as Smalling, they are underestimated in the media and by fans.”

Vidic also praised Victor Lindelof for coming back from a tough start to become Man United’s standout defender this season.

“Well done to him to come back. It's not easy, especially playing for Man United, big club, to not start that well and have criticism from the media,” he said in a separate interview with Omnisport, per Goal.

"To come back from that and now perform well, it shows some character as well, which is important if you want to play for Man United.”

So, what does Vidic think about Van Dijk, widely considered to be the best centre-back in England’s top flight?

"I think he's doing a great job - he's strong physically, he's fast, he's a presence on the pitch," the 37-year-old continued.

"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.”