MU bad performance due to Nemanja Vidic, says Michael Essien

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien believes that Manchester United are not able to perform well defensively due to the absence of Nemanja Vidic.

The Serbian defender joined Inter Milan on a free transfer this summer. This brought an end to his long spell at United. After joining the club in 2006, Vidic formed an impeccable partnership with Rio Ferdinand. This formed the basis for United winning numerous titles including the Champions League in 2008. Even though the 33-year-old’s form has dipped severely since joining Inter Milan, Essien says that United could have done with the experience of the Serbian.

United boss Louis Van Gaal has had to deal with several injury problems, especially in the defence, since taking over from David Moyes in the summer. The Dutchman has only just started seeing better results at the club, but he has been criticised for not making sufficient reinforcements in the defence. The club spent more than £ 150 million on new players in the summer but only a handful of them were defensive minded individuals. After losing the likes of Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, and Nemanja Vidic in one summer, many reckon that United should have brought more defenders rather than attacking players like Radamel Falcao.

"I think Vidic is being missed by United because things are not really going well for them, especially when it comes to their defence.He is a top guy and a really good defender. He gives everything and puts his body down for every tackle. It will be good to face him in another league," said the former Chelsea star, whose own future at AC Milan continues to be heavily speculated after the arrival of Filippo Inzaghi. Essien came to Milan on a permanent basis only recently, but he has already been linked with a move to Russia.