Former Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic believes European success could be prioritised over winning the Premier League at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are currently second in the league and 16 points behind champions-elect Man City, but Jose Mourinho’s men are in the last-16 of the Champions League.

And Vidic, who was the last United skipper to lift the league trophy in 2013, told the BBC that United are equipped to succeed in Europe.

“I know the Premier League is bigger – but I think the Champions League could happen,” said Vidic.

“When the season started, I thought United had more chance to win the Champions League than the Premier League because the players they signed didn’t have the time to fit in.”

Vidic believes that in Mourinho, United have a manager who understands the path to European glory.

“Mourinho is a tactical coach and knows Europe very well. He knows there are going to be scrappy games and how to get through them,” he said.

“To win, you need a bit of luck – but there is a chance to get to the semi-finals or final. You never know. And if you win a Champions League, the players start to believe.

“Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, they will look different to now. It is about the perception of the people – you have to win.

“Players then believe more in themselves. They start to perform better.”