Vidic's Perfect Match

Wayne Rooney may have scored the only goal of the game, but Nemanja Vidic was the star of United’s 1-0 win over Wigan.

That was the verdict from Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson after United kept a club-record ninth consecutive clean sheet in the league

Nemanja was absolutely magnificent today,” the boss told MUTV. “His performance was the best you’ll see from a centre-back.

“He played like a natural centre-half, a winner of the ball, a reader of the game. He was tough as nails and I thought he was absolutely fantastic.”

Vidic was perhaps busier than many United fans had expected. After all, the Reds had easily brushed aside Wigan on the Latics’ past two visits to Old Trafford.

On Wednesday, however, Steve Bruce’s side showed much more character, with Lee Cattermole and Wilson Palacios proving particularly willing to put themselves about in the centre of midfield.

Indeed, as Wigan gradually gained more control in the centre of the park, Sir Alex was forced to reshuffle his side and switch to a three-man central midfield. The natural width Nani provides was sacrificed; in its place United opted for Anderson’s steel and stamina.

“The challenge for us was to get a win,” the boss said. “Sometimes there are games you win 1-0 in which you don’t play particularly well. There have been many occasions like that over the years.

“But we battled hard and showed a lot of sprit to get the three points.”