Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has declared the current defence the "best in the world".

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has taken a lot of credit but Schmeichel said defender Nemanja Vidic has played his part.

"Edwin gets a lot of praise but Vidic's displays in the last two years are second to none," the Dane told BBC Sport.

"We've the best defence in the world.

"I can't see anyone scoring (against them). It's great to have that feeling of confidence."

Schmeichel also said the 27-year-old Vidic, a £7m capture from Spartak Moscow in January 2006, had been a positive influence on those around him, in particular fellow centre-half Rio Ferdinand.

"Ferdinand is the best defender in the world," said Schmeichel, who also played in the Premier League for Aston Villa and Manchester City. "He's learned so much from Vidic."