Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson earlier today claimed that if his side play as they against Reading when they take on Manchester City at the weekend, then, as he put it, “god knows what will happen”.
The 12-time Premier League champions shipped three sloppy goals during their 4-3 win over the Royals last weekend. It is a major dip in form for United, who have regularly based their game on a watertight backline.
The lack of defensive prowess has come as a result of the lack of Nemanja Vidic in the heart of the defence. The powerful Serbian has missed the last two months of first-team action after undergoing knee surgery.
It shows, with United lacking his leadership capabilities and exceptional defensive qualities in defence. Reports suggested that the 31-year-old could return for their Champions League tie with Cluj on Wednesday, something Ferguson has dismissed today.
Without Vidic in defence, the Red Devils have conceded an astonishing 21 league goals already this season, with their strikers currently keeping the team at the summit of the Premiership. It’s painstakingly evident that the sooner the former Spartak Moscow man is back for Ferguson, the better.
While the veteran Scot can call upon the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans, it’s Vidic that will steady the current ship that see’s United struggling at the back.