As United got back to winning ways last weekend with three points against West Ham many were keen to lavish praise on the Reds’ attacking contingent.
But victory over Avram Grant’s side was built as much upon defence as it was attack, with captain Nemanja Vidic in particular impressing at the back.
A large factor in United falling short in the league last season was our (constantly it seemed) unsettled defence. Although it’s early days in the new campaign, it’s interesting to note that Sir Alex has only used five different defenders in the first four games of the new season (including the Community Shield) compared to eight last term, and stability could be a key factor for United this time round.
Vidic ended any uncertainty over his Old Trafford future in the summer by penning a new four-year contract and his new deal could well prove to be the scalp of the summer. Not that he needed to, but Vida has shown over the last few games his value and importance to the United cause. Installed as captain for every game so far, Vida was once again colossal against West Ham as the Reds cantered to a 3-0 victory.
He headed every ball clear and repelled the West Ham attack, however fleeting, pretty much single-handedly. His two last-ditch, crunching tackles on Carlton Cole were timed to perfection as the Hammers’ striker bore down on goal. Each time Cole lay flat on the deck, clearly shaken by the challenges, while Vida simply got up and walked away.
I personally can’t wait to see Vida and Rio Ferdinand back in tandem. Their partnership will be vital in United’s quest for honours at home and aboard with a solid foundation at the back allowing the likes of Giggs, Scholes, Nani, Rooney et al to weave their magic in attack, just as they did on Saturday.
Our watertight defence was key to our 18th title win in 2008/09 and it was no coincidence that we missed out on a fourth consecutive triumph last term after a torrid run of injuries at the back, with the likes of Ferdinand, Vidic and Jonny Evans missing for large chunks of the campaign.
So, with a settled partnership between Vida and Evans already this season, Rio on the mend and a confident-looking United in attack, 2010/2011 has the makings of another successful season for the Reds.
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