Vidic Might Not Be United’s Saviour (Video)
Manchester United are frail at the back and there is no hiding it, despite sitting top of the league, and 7 points ahead of rivals Manchester City, United have already shipped in 28 goals in 19 league games, the 8th joint worse defensive record in the league. Luckily enough for Manchester United they have been in free scoring form in front of goal, scoring 48 goals in the first half of the season.
You could point to disjointed partnerships in the centre of defence, Jonny Evans, Rio Ferdinand and Chris Smalling have all missed some part of the season, particularly Smalling who is only just returning to the first team, but a lot of United fans will be looking to the return of Nemanja Vidic to shore up their defense.
Serbian international Vidic has been at Old Trafford since 2006, when he joined from Spartak Moscow for £7 million, and became one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League and considered one of the best central defenders in the world.
During Vidic’s career with United he is known for forming a formidable defensive partnership with Rio Ferdinand but both players’ best days are now behind them and Ferguson needs to look elsewhere. Ferdinand ais now 34 and recent seasons have been hampered by injury, similarly has Vidic with last season curtailed by kne ligament damage and this season yet to get going with another knee problem.
The pair’s partnership worked so well because Vidic has the aerial ability and strength to win the ball and if he misses out Ferdinand is covering behind with his brilliant sense of positioning, pace and ability to read the game.
Now, both players are heading to the twilight of their career and might not be able to rekindle their partnership to steady United’s defensive ship.
Vidic might fear playing Fernando Torres if he is able to find the form that tore Manchester United apart several times for Liverpool.
Sam Jewell
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