Manchester United Captain Nemanja Vidic says no more (Part 2)
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic was concerned with the teams’ defensive lapses and vowed that nothing of the sort would happen in the following weeks.
"It is a big concern that we are conceding so many away goals. We have to stop doing it. We cannot let it happen again," claimed the Serbian. It is almost impossible to believe that the same back line was responsible for conceding only 22 and 24 goals for
the entire premier league season in 2008 and 2009 season. United were able to win both the seasons and it was the same back line who conceded just 26 goals last season as well.
Former United Captain Rio Ferdinand’s non-availability is not helping the cause but Ferdinand was missing from action when United managed to go 14 games without a goal during the 08/09 season, which also included a long trip to Japan for the FIFA Club World
Cup. As Vidic now wears the arm band, he feels more and more responsible for the slack in defence on the pitch.
"Over the last few years we haven't given that many goals away or even allowed them so many chances. Before we have always looked strong, so this is not what we are used to. We have to play much better in our away games," claimed the Red Devils skipper.
United would now want to concentrate on a crucial Champions league encounter against Valencia, followed by another away fixture at Sunderland. Owing to this, the time for change has come and drastic steps may well be needed.
Ferdinand would be expected to be available for the fixture against the Spanish Giants as Ferdinand was not present in the Carling Cup tie against Scunthorpe. Ferguson preferred to be away at Valencia to watch them play in order to make some notes. United
have not been successful against the Spanish opponents off late, having managed three consecutive draws in Spain, which included the 2008 encounter against Barcelona. At that time, United’s defence was almost impenetrable but United would be looking for at
least one point, despite Ferguson claiming he would want to go for a win.
Along with the issue of the back line, the manager must also think about Wayne Rooney’s situation. The Red Devils boss may not be too happy with the comments given by Kevin Keegan but may well be ignored owing to the quality of player of his era. Not many
can understand the pressure in which Rooney has to play. Yet, being a former English player, Keegan would have the idea than many others.
The main issue for the Manchester United manager is to keep a balance of faith between a player who was so outstanding last season but is considered to be number third on the list of in-form strikers this season. Dimitar Berbatov has been outstanding so
far while Michael Owen has scored thrice in two appearances so far for the Red Devils.
Antonio Valencia and Ryan Giggs are not available for selection against Valencia, meaning that Rooney cannot be played as a sole striker supported by two brisk wingers, a job he did so well last season.
Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has stated that Rooney would still be troubled by an ankle issue, many expect Rooney to be given a complete break to his body and mind a much needed rest to recover for the coming fixtures.
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