Manchester United Captain Nemanja Vidic says no more
Manchester United newly appointed Captain Nemanja Vidic has stated that for the side to challenge for the premier league crown, they will have to improve defensively.
Manchester United were the best side last season in terms of defence, having conceded only 26 goals in the entire season. However, this season United have already conceded 9
goals so far and the manager thus urged his defensive counterparts to improve at the back in order to be competitive enough for the premier league.
Manchester United had the perfect chance to capitalize from the losses suffered by Chelsea and Arsenal on the weekend when they met Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium and had they won the fixture, they would’ve moved within just one point behind Ancelotti’s
squad. However, that wasn’t the case as United managed to only just equalize against a rejuvenated Bolton side as Bolton took the lead twice in the match.
United have failed to prove themselves defensively time and time again and owing to defensive slacks, the side has managed only 12 points from a possible 18. Bolton’s first goal came off a corner and it was the slack man marking of Jonny Evans and Patrice
Evra which led Zat Knight to capitalize for the first goal. Manchester United then got serious in the game and Portuguese winger made a superb solo run from the half line, dodging all in his way for a neat finish at the far post for a brilliant finish.
With the scores level, Bolton managed to find the lead again, this time on the counter attack. Martin Petrov was given just too much room on the left side who easily skipped past Park Ji Sung to deflect the goal past Van Der Sar. Fletcher’s body couldn’t
control the power of the shot as it deflected off his shoulder and into the net, giving the goal keeper no reaction time.
The second half saw United capitalizing on every opportunity they got, but it was the final ball that was lacking. The Red Devils should be happy with the one point they managed given that Johan Elmander's one on one opportunity was seen sailing over the
posts. Michael Owen then finally managed to find a lucky equalizer as he flicked the ball with his head and into the net. One thing Manchester United should be concerned about is that in their 6 fixtures so far, they have conceded 9 goals, which is worse than
Everton, who currently sit at the bottom of the league table. It was also United’s third away draw of the season as the side has won all of their home fixtures and none away.
There is also trouble at the Red Devils camp as Ryan Giggs was pulled off the pitch and Ferguson has confirmed that the veteran midfielder would be unavailable for 2 weeks owing to a hamstring pull. Wayne Rooney was also seen resting his left ankle in ice
after he was substituted for Michael Owen and although it was believed that Rooney would be available for the fixture against Valencia in Europe, the manager has not included the 24 year old in his squad. With Antonio Valencia not available for selection
till February, United are left with only two recognised wingers in the form of J.S. Park and Nani. Gabriel Obertan is one other option but the Frenchman still needs to improve on the injury front.
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