Manchester United’s defensive crisis under David Moyes has largely been down to a constantly changing the four due to the injuries for the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. Now that the club captain Nemanja Vidic has recovered sufficiently fitness in order to play regularly, the defensive performance of the team is expected to improve.
However, Moyes has stated that no player will get differential treatment because of the work they have done in the past. This means that Nemanja Vidic will have to work hard as every other player in order to be sure of a starting place.
The skipper has only a few months left on his United contract with many clubs reportedly queuing up for his signature. United have not recovered their form especially at home that they have suffered back-to-back defeats against Everton and Newcastle. This has prevented them from even getting into the top four, while they remain several points behind table leaders Arsenal. The 3-0 win over Aston Villa provided much-needed relief to the club, but Moyes has confirmed that the recent defensive performances will not mean an automatic starting spot for Vidic.
The 35-year-old Rio Ferdinand also does not have a long time left in football and United could be in the market for a new central defender sooner rather than later.
“Nemanja is just about ready to play now. But we have five centre-halves. We can use Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, Rio Ferdinand and him. There is competition for places there and you are going to have to play well to stay in the team,” said Moyes.
Away from home, they have been looking pretty good due to the counter-attacking style of football, but it is a different case at Old Trafford where they have struggled for form on a consistent basis.