Exclusive – Macari: Man United MUST replace Vidic and Ferdinand

Lou Macari insists Manchester United MUST replace Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand in the January transfer window.

The pair, along with Patrice Evra, left the Red Devils last summer, tearing the experienced heart of a defence which had won the Premier League title just one season before.

Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw have arrived at Old Trafford but Louis van Gaal is yet to address the central defender void.

Ron Vlaar and Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels have been linked with a January move to the club, with the Aston Villa defender a more likely option because of his contract situation.

And ex-midfielder Macari claims the Dutchman will have to dip into the transfer market again if they’re to have any chance of regaining their Champions League place next season.

“I was concerned in the summer, when we lost Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra,” he told Hawksbee and Jacobs.

“I couldn’t see Man United going out to replace them with three identical players. We didn’t buy any defenders, until recently.

“They bought forwards but I always thought the priority should have been defensively. The Leicester game has only reinforced my opinion.

“You’re not going to be in contention to win the Premier League title unless you get your defence sorted out.

“I’m hoping in the January transfer window they go and buy one, if not two, new defenders.”