It has become an annual tradition amongst football fans and pundits alike to utter the phrase ‘Manchester United have not been at their best but have been picking up results’. This season has proved to be no different, as United have stumbled past the finishing line in multiple games this season, scraping wins against the like of Aston Villa, Southampton and West Ham. The primary problem in these games has been quite obvious; lack of leadership at the back. The 19 time champions of England have conceded the first goal in games with a regularity which will not please fans and manager alike. There has been a clear lack of strength in the back line, which was proven in games against Tottenham and Aston Villa, where attackers had a free run through the United defence time and time again.
However, all this looks set to change in the coming few weeks with the return of one man; NemanjaVidic. It is reported that Vidic has returned to training and may even be able to face FC Cluj on Wednesday. This will be music to the ears of every United fan. It is highly unlikely that you will see Benteke, or anyone else for that matter, shove the big Serbian off the ball in the way Smalling was recently at Villa Park. Vidic will also be able to lift some of the aerial pressure that United have been subjected to with his outstanding heading and jumping ability, thus aiding David De Gea’s weak point. Not many teams will be able to lump a highball into the United defence when Vidic is there to nullify any aerial attack.
Aside from these physical aspects, he also brings a sense of calmness to the squad which always seems to bring out the best in Johnny Evans, or indeed anybody else he plays alongside. His sheer presence within the team will help stabilize. It is not an over exaggeration to say that to have Vidic will have a vital part to play in order to give Manchester United the extra force they need to make it a 20th league title this season.
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