Best News For Man United Since Rooney Contract

Nemanja Vidic

Manchester United fans may not be having the best day today. Some will have woken up this morning only to remember the crushing events of the day before - a loss to fierce rivals Manchester City. Other's may have not even woken up this morning, sleeping their sorrows away, blocking out the fact that a treble bid is now over because of their noisy, now deafening neighbours.

So perhaps the words that have come from Nemanja Vidic's mouth will cheer those fans up. He has been talking about his future, a future that has been called into question with rumours about a possible transfer away from Old Trafford. Apparently, his wife had been complaining about life in Manchester, and perhaps the Serbian was starting to listen. Top teams with far hotter weather and slightly more tropical surroundings beckoned; Real Madrid, AC Milan and Barcelona all showing interest, but Vidic has now rubbished those rumours:

“I hope to spend the rest of my career here at United." 

“I heard the speculation about me maybe leaving last year, but I know where I want to be and I have shown my commitment to the club. 

“I have given the best years of my career to this club and the talk about me leaving here was never correct. 

“I always give my best. Of course, sometimes you have good and bad days, but I think I always try to give 100 per cent – and especially now I have that armband and the responsibility that goes with it. 

“I'm definitely here for the rest of my career now. It never came from my mouth that I would be leaving United. I love it here and I think I show that on the pitch.”

What great news that is for Manchester United, who have seen Vidic be an unmovable rock at times in the United back four. He has headed out countless attacks, intercepted opposition moves at crucial times and been an inspiring, brave captain for the majority of this injury free season for him. He is undoubtedly a contender for Manchester United's player of the year, and is deservedly on the short-list for the Premier League Player of the Year.

Now it may not have seemed good news at the time, but Wayne Rooney's new contract is certainly up there with Vidic's vocal commitment to United. Rooney became hugely unpopular overnight when he claimed he wanted to move on last summer to a club with more ambition, but then made a miraculous u-turn and signed a renewed contract with United.

A poor start to the season had people questioning Rooney's quality, asking whether his career had already peeked. But as he has since proved, form is temporary, and class is permanent. A good end to the season has seen his form been clawed back, with United looking so much more dangerous when he is floating behind the striker on the pitch in the team. This was highlighted in the derby yesterday when the Englishman was missing against a tough opposition. United suffered in his absence, with it being extremely hard to break down the City defence as they doubled up on pretty much every attacking player.

That wasn't helped by the early departure of Paul Scholes, who is usually provider of that killer pass - a pass that Rooney has proved he is completely capable of.

But United fans can sleep a little easier tonight. Hopefully, they will have gotten over the gut wrenching loss to City, and have their sights on the two trophies that really count now; the Premier League and Champions League. They can do that now with the spirit lifting knowledge that Nemanja Vidic is going nowhere, and Wayne Rooney will be back from suspension. It isn't looking too bad.

VOTE: Who Is Your Player of the Year?

Nemanja Vidic

Much has been made of this years PFA Player of he Year short-list, with there being controversy, particularly among Manchester United fans over seeing certain players left out, in United's case, Luis Nani. Above is the official list, and to avoid naming every player who has had an above average season, there is an added selection in which you can choose a player who you believe has had a season worthy of praise.
Below, are the players profiles:

Nemanja Vidic


Vidic has been a massive part of Manchester United's title push this season, being a solid, imposing and aggressive figure in the back four. A reliable defender who is never afraid to put his body on the line for his team has won countless contests with strikers this season, helping his veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der sar to keep 12 clean sheets in the league as well as being a threat from set pieces, scoring four goals in an outstanding season for the Serbian.

He has coped exceedingly well in the absence of his partner Rio Ferdinand, which was helped by the introduction of an impressive Chris Smalling. Vidic was given the captain's armband at the start of the season and has shown throughout that it was no mistake. A born leader, a brave defender, and a real contender for the Player of the Year.

Carlos Tevez


Just as Vidic is vital to United's defence and team as a whole, Carlos Tevez is also a crucial figure at City with his all round team displays. He never stops running, and plays with an admirable passion to win that is somewhat questioned by his off-field behaviour towards his contract. He has however recovered from certain differences he had with staff at Manchester City and continues to be a threat up front, and has his attentions turned to overtaking Dimitar Berbatov as the Leagues leading scorer.

19 goals and 6 assists in 27 league games emphasize the importance the Argentine has at City, who often struggle for goals and general creativity without him.Despite his troubles with the club in December, and his written transfer request, he remains a player who torments the best defenders, leads from the front and another strong contender for the award.

Charlie Adam

The Blackpool midfielder was the catalyst in helping his side to promotion to the Premier League and has this season been the very same thing in the clubs attempts to stay there. He has had a fantastic season, with his passing range and set piece ability worthy of praise alone. Indeed, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said of his corners: "his corner kicks are worth £10m". His inspired performances for Blackpool attracted interest from Liverpool, but petty offers were rejected by Ian Holloway, who claimed Adam to be worth well over the £4 million offered. 


9 goals in the League from midfield and 5 assists are impressive for a promoted player, but do not tell the whole story of his contribution to his side. However, he has been criticized for too many "Hollywood" passes in games, often giving the ball away in dangerous areas when a simple pass is on but this only highlights the 25 year-old's ambition and confidence in his ability, which he does have in abundance.

Gareth Bale


The Tottenham left midfielder has been raiding the left flank all season, and as a result has been subject to a few injuries which have, unfortunately for Tottenham halted his outstanding progress from the beginning of the season. He played the biggest part in beating Inter Milan in the Champions League, as he tore one of the supposed best right backs in the world to shreds with his blistering pace. His Premier League partnership with the strikers of Tottenham has also worked a treat with his crossing ability helping to score important goals for Spurs as balls are headed down by Crouch to the awaiting Dutchman and fellow nominee Rafael van der Vaart.

He has been excellent going forward on the flanks, but also has the goalscoring touch, with 7 goals and an assist to his name. Certainly a dangerous player who has come into the spotlight this season and is rated by his optimistic manager as worth the same as Crisitano Ronaldo.

Scott Parker


Scott Parker is a player whose passion, commitment, and desire to do whatever it takes to win ooze from him on the pitch. It is a phrase that is used a lot, but he really has almost single handedly kept West Ham in the fight for Premier League survival. He is just outstanding. There is no flashy business about him, or hogging of the limelight, like United's Paul Scholes, he gets on with his business because he loves to do it and because he is great at it.

His team mates confirm he is inspirational in the dressing room, and everyone who watches him play can confirm he is inspirational on the pitch. 5 goals and 2 assists are good for him, but is not what he is about. He is my favourite.

Samir Nasri


Arsenal are still fighting for the Premier League crown, and it is thanks in no small part to Samir Nasri, whose contribution to the title chase has been very much worth of praise. He is capable of pretty much anything in attack, and is a formidable attacking option for Arsenal, with his unpredictability being key to his quality and scaring defenders. It is a joy to watch him weave effortlessly in and around players as if the ball is stuck to his feet, and there is no doubt his performances this season are worthy of recognition.

His Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger described the 23 year-old French play maker as "young, quick and technically outstanding player", and I'm not sure anyone can disagree. His passing and movement are outstanding, links up perfectly with his fellow mid fielders and has scored 9 goals this season in the league.


Rafael van der Vaart


The former Real Madrid midfielder made a blistering start to his Tottenham career with goals here there and everywhere. His buy proved an absolute bargain on Harry Redknapp's behalf, signing the player just before the deadline for a knock-down fee of £8 million. His passing ability has proven to be fantastic throughout the season, and like Nasri, is capable of creating something out of nothing with shots coming from his powerful left foot either just missing the target or bulging the back of the net.


An injury in December halted his progress really, and his form from the start of the season has not really been shown since, but the 28 year0old Dutchman remains a threat at Tottenham, with his tally for the season an impressive 10 goals and 6 assists. 

Arsenal In £50 Million Summer Spending Spree

Nemanja Vidic

Plagued with injuries throughout the season to the extent that a new/old goalkeeper had to be brought in for back up, as well as being tormented with off form players slipping up a crucial times in massive matches, and Arsene Wenger is understandably frustrated. He must be wondering what he has done wrong to deserve the punishment of seeing his loyal but exhausted players suffer in this way. It isn't all bad when you consider Arsenal's position in the table - three points behind the leaders with a game in hand - but this season could have been about so much more than just the Premier League crown.

It is perhaps no wonder then, that Arsenal are being linked to two big money players to boost the squad this summer - give it some well needed depth, diversity and energy. These two players are Bolton's Gary Cahill and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema. I honestly cannot see it myself. It isn't that the two players wouldn't fit into the squad; Cahill, a strong, reliable, often goal scoring centre back would be welcomed in the beleaguered defence, while Benzema will have no shortage of fellow countrymen to communicate with (not to mention being a top class front man).  The rumours really get unbelievable when the price is quoted.

Cahill and Benzema are being valued at £25 million by the news sources. That's £25 million each. Probably around £40 million more than Wenger would dream of spending. His cautious, low profile approach to the transfer market has caused plenty of frustration among even patient supporters, as they await their first trophy for six years. It may yet come this year, but it will undoubtedly be very close, and with all of the teams around them certain to improve their squads in the summer, Arsenal do not want to be left behind at the start of next season in a year which looks to be even more competitive and tight than even this year has been so far.

Manchester United are apparently Arsenal's competition for the 25 year-old Cahill. United have seen a Vidic - Smalling partnership blossom in the absence of the seemingly always injured Rio Ferdinand, and if Ferdinand ever does receive further injures which is highly likely, United will need a top quality replacement. There have also been unsettling murmurings of Vidic's future as a United player as his wife apparently doesn't like it in Manchester. The Wes Brown - Chris Smalling defensive partnership has been poor so far, and Sir Alex will look for a new defender to banish any defensive worries in the future.


A bidding war is something neither side would want however, with Arsenal's reluctance to spend, and United's crushing debts reducing the possibility of big money signings.
The website states;

"The Trotters [Bolton] are bracing themselves for bids in the summer, and both Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to come to the table at some point with an offer for the England international.

Chelsea are also thought to be keen on landing the player, with the west London outfit also interested in the 25-year-old former Aston Villa defender.

Arsenal are still thought to be favourites though, although the Gunners will have to fight hard to see off Manchester United if these claims are to be believed."

Meanwhile, Wenger is supposedly a "big fan" of Benzema who was bought by Madrid from Lyon for £35 million two seasons ago. It is easy to see why, as Benzema has masses of exactly what Wenger is always looking for, craving for, searching for: "potential".

17 goals in 52 appearances this season isn't to impressive, but his previous form is far more impressive, with one season amassing 20 goals in just 36 appearances. A partnership of van Persie and Benzema would also be a vast improvement to what they have at the moment, and would add he depth up front which has been lacking.

Sir Alex Ferguson had tried to bring Benzema to United before he joined Madrid, but I doubt he would be after him again after being turned down already.

Sir Alex & Mike Phelan's Conflicting Contradiction

Nemanja Vidic

Well it didn't take long for Sir Alex Ferguson to completely blow his Manchester United assistant, Mike Phelan's assertion last week well and truly out of the water. It can't really be much of a surprise, considering what Phelan actually said. I mean, as soon Phelan declared, "we can't dispute the referees decision" after Mark Clattenburg's decision not to take action against Wayne Rooney for the now infamous elbow on James McCarthy, you just knew that in the very close future, exactly that would happen.

Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't exactly hide and shy away when asked about a controversial referee's decision. He has been critical of the men in black many times in the past, whether that be due to a decision made by them that he strongly disagrees with, or even if their fitness is called into question. He doesn't cower in corners when it comes to the men that call the shots. So for Mike Phelan to say after the Wigan game that he and his club (including Sir Alex) could not criticize a referee's decision, well it is a bit rich.

It is even more bizarre once you hear what the Manchester United manager said after the Chelsea game of the referee. It is fair to say, that from his comments, the Scot isn't the biggest fan of Martin Atkinson.
He said:

"You want a fair ref. I don't know how he got this game. I must say, when I saw who it was, I did fear that,"

"We defended badly for the first goal, That was a bad one to lose but the penalty kick was so soft, deary me.

"It's three years in a row that decisions have changed the game here. It was incredible.

"Luiz had done (Javier) Hernandez off the ball and nothing was done. Then he does Rooney, clear as day.

"You are talking about what changed the game in the second half, these are decisions that change the game and he [Atkinson] is going to be refereeing every week!

"I'm proud of my players. They endured a lot of bad decisions against them and they have done their best.

"They [Chelsea] got a lot of decisions that surprised me in a major game like that."

Now if you looked carefully, you may have seen a little criticism of the referee. Okay, okay, there is a lot of criticism aimed at Martin Atkinson. I wonder whether Mike Phelan sees it that way considering his statement earlier about not criticising referees?

Sir Alex's frustration is understandable though, as David Luiz certainly should have seen a red card for at least three very bookable offences.
The first tackle on Michael Carrick was a definite yellow - and he as shown the card. It was a late, vicious and dangerous challenge that had Carrick flying through the air. Then Luiz committed a questionably worse foul on Rooney, as he cynically blocked a run with an outstretched leg. The referee had no obstructions to the incident, but waved lay on. Luiz also blocked Chicharito off the ball, leaving Chicharito lying on the floor thanks to the body check but no action was taken.

Other debateable decisions include the penalty given to win the game in which Yuri Zhirkovic left his leg in looking for the foul from Smalling, and the fact that Vidic was shown red, but not Luiz. All in all, it was a frustrating night for United and Sir Alex, who blew a golden opportunity to move further away from Arsenal in the title race, and leave Chelsea's title hopes languishing in fifth/fourth place.

Arsenal as it happens have a game in hand and now have some well needed confidence as the season edges towards a conclusion and play tonight in an FA Cup replay with Leyton Orient after their loss to Birmingham in the Carling Cup final. Arsenal have now witnessed Manchester United's second loss of the season and will have a chance to inflict the third when the two title challengers come head to head later in the season, which could become a very decisive game in the race for supremacy.

Up next is Liverpool for United, and here's hoping that no controversial referee's decisions will impact the game and that Mike Phelan keeps his dubious statements to himself when in front of BBC cameras.

How Did Vidic Get Red and Not David Luiz?

Nemanja Vidic

You may say it is a tad hypocritical for a Manchester United fan to say that the referee was unfair, inconsistent or incompetent considering the recent and well documented occurrences involving match officials and United. Fair enough, United do get the odd lucky decision their way, but tonight, Manchester United were the unlucky ones, with too many decisions changing the game unfairly in Chelsea's favour.

Wait! Before I go any further, credit where credit is due, Chelsea played far better than United in the second half. They controlled the game, they stopped us from creating, they scored more goals. They were the better side in the second period, and I am happy (not really happy actually, more angry) to admit it.

My notes tell me however, that United were far superior in the first half - at ease on the ball, dominant in possession, creating good opportunities, and overall, threatening Chelsea far more. My notes tell me that because it is true.

United played well down the wings, in a surprisingly open game. A Malouda shot early on, saw the Frenchman in acres of space only to weakly shoot into van der sar's chest and welcoming arms. This was countered with a United attack which saw Evra break into the box, only to swipe it across the goal mouth, agonisingly avoiding any United players contact.

29 minutes in however, United broke the deadlock, and allowed hopes of a very rare away win at Stamford Bridge, arise to the surface. It was a cute little interchange between Nani and Rooney, Rooney took a touch, and with Robin Hood accuracy, arrowed the ball into the bottom corner of the net. It was a great finish, and was, according to the statistics, Rooney's first goal outside of the box since February 2008 when he scored against Newcastle. It is his seventh League goal this season, as he continues to build his suspect goal tally.

As the end of the half neared, Chelsea realised where they were, and what they were doing, subsequently deciding that they better go for a goal rather than allow United to walk all over them. Their sudden interest meant a chance which showed just how valuable Mr Van Der Sar and Mr Vidic are. A sublime double save, and some quick thinking defending to scramble the ball away from goal after a Lampard free kick bounced around the area helped United go in at half time in the lead.

Now to the second half. The period where it all happened. Chelsea's decision to go for the win prompted an early response. The ball bounced to David Luiz to the left of the area, who was somehow clear of any defenders and Evra reacted too late to stop the ex-Benfica defender from smashing in an impressive volley which rifled past van der sar.

It was 1-1, and an hour had been played. Drogba came on for the ineffective Anelka to join the equally ineffective Torres up front. Then Giggs came on to replace Scholes, making his 606th Premier League appearance, equally Sir Bobby Charlton's record.

David Luiz. David Luiz. He looks like Sideshow Bob, a criminal from The Simpsons, and he acted just like that with at least two very bookable offenses. He got booked in the first half for a vicious and late tackle on Carrick, and then, in the second half, at a vital, vital time in the game, he stuck out a leg to cynically block off a Rooney run. It was off the ball, obvious, and unfair. It should have been another yellow and a red. It wasn't even a free-kick.

It is moments like that which change games. True enough, not long after that, Smalling gave away a penalty for much less than what Luiz did. Lampard duly scored which turned out to be the winner, causing United's second loss of the season, and a big, undeserved blow to the title chase (which Chelsea are out of).

Nemanja Vidic however, did get sent off. Player of the year so far, he tugged down Ramieres outside the box to receive his second yellow and his marching orders meaning he will miss the next game against Liverpool. In my opinion, this sending off is worse than the loss. Ferdinand is out with injury, Vidic has been United's rock and is now out, which puts more pressure on the young defender Chris Smalling.

Manchester United >> Nemanja Vidic Profile

Nemanja Vidic

BBC Barclays Premier League Football | Nemanja Vidic | Manchester United Football Club | player profile and career | Centre back | Serbia National Team

Nemanja Vidic Center Back Manchester United

Nemanja Vidic Profile

Name : Nemanja Vidic.
Place/Date of birth : Yugoslavia, 21 October 1981.
Height : 1.89 m.
Player Position : Centre Back.
Football team : Manchester United.
Number  : 15.

Career :

Youth
1989–1993 : Jedinstvo Užice.
1994–1996 : Sloboda Užice.
1996–2000 : Red Star Belgrade.
Senior
2000–2004 : Red Star Belgrade (Serbia Football).
2000–2001 : Spartak Subotica (on Loan)
2006– ... : Manchester United (Premier League- English Football).

National team

2002– ... : Serbia

thanks for visit BBC Football >> Nemanja Vidic Profile

Tottenham 0 - 0 Man Utd: 9 men & Vidic Keep out Spurs

Nemanja Vidic

Tottenham huffed and puffed against Manchester United, but were unable to blow the mighty Vidic's defence down as the Red Devils just about made sure that their unbeaten run continues for another week. It was defence against attack as the midfield of Tottenham really controlled most of the play with Luka Modric spraying the ball around to his team mates in search of the killer pass, but it was just out of reach, largely due to the magnificent defence of United.

The two wide players for Tottenham, Bale and Lennon, who were expected to be the difference between the two sides didn't have the best of games, and were unable to make much of an impact. Only a couple of their crosses managed to find a Tottenham players waiting head, but no finish could be found. That was the problem for Tottenham really, they had most of the offensive possession, but just couldn't slice open the organised solidity of the defence, even when United went a man down.

Rafael da Silva was sent off in the 74th minute for a second "bookable" offence. I say "bookable" in inverted commas because the decision to give him that second yellow was, although seemingly inevitable, questionable. When the Brazilian defender picked up his first yellow card early on, I had a strong feeling that with his passion, commitment and refusal to back out of any tackle, the likely possibility was that he would get another. He did, but it wasn't from a malicious, dangerous or cynical tackle - it was a clip on the back of Assou-Ekkoto's heel as hey both ran for the ball. It was obvious that it was an accident - even the sometimes naive Rafael wouldn't have been stupid enough to purposely trip the opponent on a yellow card - but the referee, Mike Dean was his usual, unsympathetic or understanding self and harshly brandished the red.

As it happened, Bale wasn't able to exploit the left wing in the absence of Rafael, and the game ended with United on the attack - despite being under pressure from Tottenham ever since the dismissal.

Overall, United's play was pretty poor. It was clear they wanted to win, and definitely could have won, but the passing was bad. The final ball was disappointing. The attacking was almost non existent apart from a couple of good attacks which led to a few chances, but not as much as United would have liked. Perhaps the only real positive to be taken was the outstanding performance from the defenders, ad come to think of it, the togetherness of the team when they went a man down.

While earlier in the season United may have conceded a clumsy goal late on, they were resilient tonight, as the best centre back partnership in the League, Ferdinand and Vidic proved their worth to the United team with some invaluable tackles, headers away and clearance.

Manchester United go back to top spot, ahead of Manchester rivals City on goal difference while Tottenham move to within a point of fourth place Chelsea. It was, in the end, another clash of two strong teams that was, although entertaining, over hyped.

Being Unbeaten Isn't Good Enough for Manchester United

Nemanja Vidic

6 draws in 7 away League matches for Manchester United. They have drawn more in the Premier League season than they have won. Games against Fulham, Sunderland, West Brom, Everton and Bolton, games that the title challengers should be expecting to win, they haven't.

Aston Villa on Saturday was always going to be a tough game for United, especially considering the injuries and mid-week game that ended up as a dull 0 - 0 draw which gave the Red Devils no momentum going into the week-end. The result? A draw. But only just.

Sir Alex Ferguson said of his teams performance:

"we were all over the place,"

United went behind to an Ashley Young penalty in the 72nd minute, and Albrighton doubled Villa's lead four minutes later. This season, United have found themselves in Aston Villa's position more than once; up by a couple of goals with the opposition coming back into the game. They must have learned something from their own performances, as they clawed their way back for a 2-2 draw. Macheda in the 81st and a Vidic goal in the 85th minute.

Ferguson observed:

"Another five minutes and we'd have won."

This may have have been true, but they had 95 minutes to win the game, and the team simply didn't play well enough to get the win from a good Aston Villa side. It was the last few minutes that they seemed to come to life.

United find themselves 3 points behind Chelsea with Chelsea having a game in hand. United are still unbeaten this season, but being unbeaten will not win them the title while Chelsea are still winning.

Perfectly Good Nani Goal

Nemanja Vidic

Good Goal: Nani

Once again, a "controversial" goal was scored in the fixture between Manchester United and Tottenham at Old Trafford.

In the 85th minute, Nani went on a run in the box. he was brought down, but nothing was given. There were small complaints from Nani on the floor, as his hand touched the ball, which was behind him - but no free-kick was given. Therefore, the game continued, with the ball in open play. The referee and the linesman gave nothing, and Gomes also continued. The goalkeeper, who isn't the sharpest tool in the box, it has to be said, picked up the ball, ran forward six or seven yards forward, and dropped the ball, as if to prepare to kick it. He did not kick it, and Nani, who had picked himself up, took the opportunity to score.

Firstly, it was a penalty. Secondly, if the referee didn't see the handball - which he clearly didn't (or rather, he has now come out to say that he played the advantage to Tottenham and Gomes), then it can't be a free-kick. Thirdly, if Gomes thought it was a free-kick, then why did he run forward with the ball, six or seven yards to take it?

Error: Gomes

The Tottenham goalkeeper never struck me as very clever at all, and this obvious error confirms it. If Tottenham fans want to blame anyone, then it should surely be Gomes. A free-kick was not given, and the referee was clearly signalling to him to get on with the game. He ran forwards, backwards, and again, trying to decide whether to kick the ball. It was a Gomes mistake, and he was punished.

Despite this controversy, United were greatly improved from previous performances. They passed the ball very well around the Tottenham players, and after Vidic's early goal, were able to keep their cool, as well as the ball.

Tottenham too were very good in the first half. They were a threat going forward, and used their pace in Lennon and Bale to get round defenders. Linking with Van der Vaart made the pace of the game so much faster, and this made for a very entertaining first half.

The second half produced fewer chances for both sides, and after Van der Vaart went off with a hamstring injury, Tottenham lost a lot of their midfield threat.

It was unfortunate that the goal had to be so controversial, as the game was so good, but it did happen, and there will now be replays shown again and again, as well as endless discussions, but from what I saw, it was a good goal.

Manchester United have Defensive Problems, Crossing inability and are Off form

Nemanja Vidic

Beaten to it: Evans

Manchester United, along with Fulham remain the only two teams in the Premier League who are unbeaten. Not only that, but United have scored at least two goals in each of the six games that they have played, and have scored 16 goals in the League. "So what is the problem?" you ask. "Where do I start?" is my reply.

United, in their opening six games have conceded nine goals. This simply isn't good enough for a team challenging for the title. Two clean-sheets in six games is poor, especially considering none of the teams United have played so far finished in the top four last season. The defence of Manchester United is going through a very shaky and unstable time at the moment.

Who will start alongside Vidic in the centre? Ferdinand or Evans? Will Ferdinand be fit? Will Evans handle the pressure? Will Vidic slip up and give away a penalty? All are questions that most United fans will have asked before and during every game so far this season - the answer, they found hasn't always been good.

Evans hasn't had a strong start to the season. He was targeted by Everton as a weak spot in the 3 - 3 draw, and again today, Zat Knight rose above him to give Bolton the lead. Ferdinand may have done better jobs, but with his inconsistency and often reliance on Vidic, who knows?

Another cause for concern is the inability to get good crosses into the box. Last season, Valencia was brilliant in his deliveries - with Rooney profiting greatly from them with a bucket full of goals. But now, with Valencia out for a while injured, only Nani and Giggs are on the touchlines ready to cross. Unfortunately for the strikers, the crosses are often disappointing.

Needs work on crossing: Nani

Nani is unbelievably frustrating. There are so many examples of when he could get the ball in a dangerous area and create a goal - a winning goal, but lets everyone down. Then there are those times when he does something absolutely brilliant. However, with Nani, the bad decisions outweigh the good.

And Giggs!. Once a marvelous source of crosses with Beckham on the other wing, he is now starting to wither. His passes are often poor, and his crosses are not the best. He can no longer take on a couple of players on the wing, and finds it hard to keep up with the pace of the game. United need a winger who can cross the ball and create chances. Wesley Sneijder perhaps? (See my next article) http://bit.ly/9H7XcL

In general, United are off-form. The good news is, United are often off-form at the start of the season, and only get into gear later on. But they really do need to improve. They travel to Valencia on Wednesday, and come back to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on the second. They need to be ready. They need to win.

Nemanja Vidic Team Manchester United

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