Ex-Man United ace Nemanja Vidic explains how he would defend against Man City star Erling Haaland

Former Manchester United centre-back Nemanja Vidic has suggested he would 'stay close' to Manchester City ace Erling Haaland if he was tasked with marking the striker.

Haaland has been in exceptional form ever since his move from Borussia Dortmund to the Etihad last summer, with the Norwegian ace currently on course to break several Premier League records this season. The 22-year-old has registered 48 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions, including 32 in the top-flight.

The City ace has only failed to score in nine top-flight matches so far this term, having also bagged six hat-tricks for Pep Guardiola's side. His incredible scoring return has led to intense debate around the best way to defend against the prolific frontman.

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With the majority of Haaland's goals coming from inside the penalty area, former United defender Vidic - who won 10 major trophies at Old Trafford - claimed it is important to ensure the City star is facing his own goal as often as possible.

"I would not let him go behind me," he said on Vibe with Five. "I think when he's facing the opponent's goal he's not very dangerous, I will always be close to him to not let him turn, but everything goes behind and that's what he likes.

"Obviously when you play for Man City it's easier to say than do it because he's always going to find spots the way Guardiola plays."

The Serb also joked that even he would not struggle to find the back of the net playing in a Guardiola team, before insisting that Haaland was currently the best striker around.

He added: "My opinion, even if I played as a striker for Guardiola, I would score 12/13 goals. He's [Guardiola] creating