Vidic Delight At Defending

Nemanja Vidic is delighted United have got back to basics by defending from the front in the wake of the derby day defeat.

The commanding skipper felt a lot of Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck's efforts went unheralded on Saturday as a fourth consecutive clean sheet was secured against Sunderland - the first time the club have managed this feat since 2008/2009 during Edwin van der Sar's record-breaking run of shut-outs.

After Sir Alex conceded the Reds needed to tighten things up and stop allowing so many shots on goal, the hard work at Carrington has paid off with wins against Aldershot, Everton, Otelul Galati and the Black Cats, without letting in a single goal.

"I think we have improved defensively," Vidic asserted to MUTV. "We defend as a team, all 11 players. Even Chicha and Welbeck up front - they play for the team and helped us to defend well and that's a big reason for us getting three points. We know we should have played better and created more chances, but this will come. We just have to find the balance and I'm sure we will get it."

Rio Ferdinand partnered his pal at the heart of the defence and the presence of the vastly-experienced duo should help the champions keep plenty more clean sheets when the domestic action gets underway again after the international break.

"Rio is so important for our team," the Serbian explained. "The experience he has and the confidence he gives to other players around him is very important, especially when you have young players in your team. Today he played on the left-hand side and he had a great performance. I hope he will stay fit because the team will have more chance to win trophies."