Manchester United need a figurehead in defence to marshal the host of young defenders coming through the club's academy, former captain Nemanja Vidic says.
United's problems this season with injuries and indifferent performances, have led to manager Louis van Gaal handing debuts to teenage defenders Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Joe Riley, Regan Poole and Donald Love.
"They need some experienced players to take that weight off their backs"
The relatively young backline, led by the ever-present Chris Smalling, has conceded just 30 goals in the club's 33 Premier League games so far, only title-chasing Tottenham Hotspur have given up fewer.
"I think it’s more difficult for defenders, especially when you have three or four of them playing together in the same match.
"For the young players who come in up front, you need that energy, imagination, happiness… you can let them play and be more free, but, in defence, I think you need someone who can lead these young boys," he explained in an exclusive interview with the club’s official website.
"United have always brought youngsters into the team and of course they have ability, they have shown that in the games they’ve played but, when you want to win the trophies, you have to patient with them.
"You have to give them the right matches, develop them slowly so you can think about keeping them there for many years.
"It’s a longer process not just for the defenders but even for attackers," he added. "You have to be careful how you develop them.
"You have to accept that Manchester United always need to win trophies and when the club don’t, players have to accept some criticism and that can be hard for the younger ones to take. They need some experienced players to take that weight off their backs."
Fifth-placed United are four points behind Arsenal, who hold the final Champions League qualifying spot, with five games left. The 13-time league champions host 16th placed Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
