Vidic Had Faith In United

Nemanja Vidic claims he knew United would still mount a serious defence of the title in his absence because the club never relies on one player.

When the influential captain was ruled out for the season after damaging knee ligaments at Basel in December, many commentators feared the Reds' campaign would falter but Sir Alex's team are five points clear in the Barclays Premier League table with seven games remaining.

Paying tribute to the younger players who have covered for the injured stars at vital times, the Serbian also feels the manager is is largely responsible for keeping the club in a position to challenge for the top domestic honour.

"It doesn't matter who is out," Vidic told PA Sport. "Manchester United never depend on one player. If you look at the past, players have left and fans have said how are we going to do but they still win titles and trophies.

"That is why Manchester United are special. That is why the manager is the best at replacing players and finding young players. He showed that over the years. I believed we would challenge for the title. We changed some players last season and others went.

"We got some young players. We didn't expect the young players would play that many games and would have so much influence on the team. This is a great plus for the club. Obviously we have had some injuries over the past year, which is another difficult thing we have gone through. We have had so many players get injured at different times. But we have coped and been very competitive with Manchester City. Now we are at the top of the league and have a big chance to win it."

In terms of the knee injury itself, Vidic is aiming to prove any doubters wrong by eventually regaining his best form.

"The injury happened," he stated. "I can't change it. It is not something I can change. I have to get on with it. Even when you have an injury, there are some benefits. You try to take the best you can from the position you are on. You don't think the worst.

"Of course I am not happy to be injured, but I am trying to work the best way I can. I know the stuff I am doing now will help me not to have the injury again. I am 30. I still have a few years to play. When I come back I want to be at the same level I was before my injury. This is one of the things that drives me on.

"People say I can't be the same. This is a challenge for me. It is a big injury, a long injury. I don't believe I will be on top form as soon as I come back. But I want to reach the level I was before the injury. This is the aim.

"I never thought about coming back. I am not pushing. I am lucky, the manager and the physios and the doctor weren't trying to beat the record. They didn't want me to come back in five months. Five months from the injury would be one game to the end. There would be no point rushing to play one or two games. That helps as well.

"I am looking to next season. As soon as I got the injury and had the operation, I knew I wouldn't be back this season. I am just focused on next season."