Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were two key components of the Manchester United side that achieved huge levels of success during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The pair cemented their places at the heart of the defence for many years, helping the Red Devils win multiple Premier League and Champions League titles.
Partnerships like that are very hard to come by in the modern game, with current boss Ruben Amorim dreaming of having such a duo at the heart of his backline in 2024/25.
The Portuguese manager has already led the club to a Europa League final during his first few months in charge, with this summer crucial if he is to be a success at Old Trafford.
With just a couple of months left until the opening of the transfer window, the manager has already wasted no time in identifying targets who could improve his defensive department.
An update on United’s hunt for new defenders this summer
Given the fact United have conceded 51 times in the Premier League this campaign, it’s no surprise to see the hierarchy targeting reinforcements within the backline.
Dean Huijsen is just one player who they have already entered talks with, but the Red Devils face huge competition from other English sides such as Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United.
However, he’s not the only option on their shortlist, with Inter Milan star Yann Bisseck the latest star appearing on their radar, according to one Spanish outlet.
Their report claims that Amorim’s men are considering making an offer for the German international, with his aggressive approach and ability to play out from the back catching the eye.
It also states that the 24-year-old would be open to a potential move to Old Trafford this summer, with personal terms not expected to be an issue if a fee is agreed between the two sides.
How United could form the next Ferdinand & Vidic
Within United’s current first-team picture, it’s unclear how many players will be kept and who will be sold to raise funds for Amorim to make his own impact on the squad.
However, centre-back Leny Yoro will certainly be a key part of his plans at the Theatre of Dreams after joining from Ligue 1 outfit LOSC Lille in a £52m deal less than 12 months ago.
The 19-year-old has already made 30 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, leading to comparisons to former defender Ferdinand, having the potential to star for the club for many years to come.
Yoro will need his own version of a Vidic to partner him at the heart of the defence, with Inter’s Bisseck potentially providing just that and allowing for another excellent partnership for Amorim.
The Serbian was a dominant force at the back for United during his eight-year spell at the Theatre of Dreams, making 300 appearances and registering 21 goals – having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch.
Such achievements have undoubtedly cemented his place in the club’s history forever, with summer target Bisseck able to follow suit and be the Red Devils’ next version of the Serbian star.
When delving into his stats from the ongoing campaign, he’s showcased his talents, having the chance to further progress his game should he make the switch to England.
The German, who’s been labelled “one of the best centre-backs” by Lothar Matthäus, has managed to complete 92% of the passes he’s attempted – handing the manager another comfortable ball-playing option at the back.
Without the ball, Bisseck has also been just as impressive, winning 73% of the tackles he’s entered, along with 74% aerials won – highlighting his dominant nature in the air, in the mould of Vidic.
Yann Bisseck’s Stats for Inter in Serie A (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
24
Goals & assists
4
Pass accuracy
92%
Tackles won
73%
Duels won
4.3
Aerials won
2.7
Aerial success rate
74%
Interceptions made
1.1
Recoveries made
3.7
Stats via FotMob
He’s also managed to make 1.1 interceptions per 90 and has made 3.7 recoveries, offering an added defensive presence at the back – handing Amorim his own version of Ferdinand and Vidic with the German alongside Yoro.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the 24-year-old would cost the hierarchy this summer, but it’s evident that he has all of the tools needed to impress in England’s top-flight.
If he does get anywhere close to the levels produced by the Serbian in the Premier League, it would be a bargain regardless of the fee, with him and the Frenchman having the chance to catapult the club back to its former glory in the years ahead.
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