It’s all change in these parts – and yet nothing really changes at all. The same great expectations exist, the demand for quality, attacking football remains, and the challenge to win trophies and be successful has not wilted one bit.
That was the message from Reds captain Nemanja Vidic in his United Review interview before the Chelsea game, and you wouldn’t want to argue with him now would you?
So, Vida, you must have been happy with the 4-1 win at Swansea to kick the season off?
Yes, we are very pleased and I am pleased also. It’s the first game and that’s always tough, especially when you play against a good team like Swansea. A good start is very important for many reasons. We have a new manager, and with our schedule in the first five games that win was important. But, equally, you don’t want to play your best game in the first match. Most importantly, you win. We did that. We had some good spells and some good play. Overall I think there’s still space to improve, but generally we should be happy.
You did well in what seemed like quite a physical game. How are you feeling having missed a few matches in pre-season?
I feel better every day. I’m training well and I feel better in the games. I feel good. It’s important in these first few matches that we build our form. This year we don’t have much time before we need to be at our very best in big games – like tonight – but I am training well, feeling good and I’m looking forward to this season.
There was a lot of support for David Moyes in the away end against Swansea. Did you notice that?
I don’t hear much when I am playing! Before the game and after the game I could hear our fans singing his name. As soon as the match starts, I focus on what is happening on the pitch. It was an intense match. Swansea played a good game – the result doesn’t say that but they made it tough for us. But it’s great to see that support of our manager. This club is united. Sir Alex has left and we are going to the next chapter now. Everyone has their part to play, the fans have a very big part to play. The new manager and the players count on that support, so I am not surprised one bit. The fans have been fantastic to us over the years and I am sure they will be the same this year.
Last time out at Old Trafford in Sir Alex’s speech on the pitch he said to the fans that it was important that everyone gets behind the new manager. The players have done that too...
Of course. The manager is the person that is deciding the team, the sessions, and in this club you never have a problem with that. Every person has his job, the players deliver what the manager asks as best we can. The manager prepares the team to get results. You have a hierarchy here and everyone knows his job, that is what this club is built on. It is not difficult because we are doing the same things with the same aims – to be successful – that we did before.
Does it feel different at all going into this season compared to the seven others you’ve started here?
Same expectations. We have to win trophies. So, it doesn’t feel different in that sense. There have been changes and the media have tried to question whether we can do it all again and can we remain successful. But people always ask those questions because it’s the challenge of playing for Manchester United. That is no different.
Does it feel exciting to be playing an important part in the next chapter?
It does. It was great to play under Sir Alex and it was a privilege to be a player that he coached. I learnt so much from him, as a manager and as a person. His influence on the team and this club was massive. Now it’s a new chapter and we will work hard to do the same this year, to win titles and compete in the Champions League and go to the latest stages in all competitions. I’m excited and feel more responsibility, which is good. You can see in training that people are training hard, trying to improve themselves and be at their very best.
People say one of the big advantages to David Moyes as manager is that he brings continuity, stability, longevity. But each manager has his own ideas. What’s new that you’ve enjoyed under him? Or has he changed very little?
He’s straightforward. He says what he sees and what he wants. He has a very clear idea of what he wants and how he wants us to play. Training has a good intensity and he pays close attention to details in training and games. He’s been very positive and the players have responded well to that.
People are predicting one of the closest title races in recent memory – what’s your view?
It’s tough to say. All three top teams have changed their manager. That’s interesting and obviously it’s what everyone is talking about! But you never know what is going to happen in this league. I don’t think anyone dreamed that we would win the title by 11 points last season. You can’t predict, but I think Chelsea, City and United will compete for the title. Maybe someone else could be there, but I think those three definitely will be. If we keep the same atmosphere and solidarity as last year then we will be there at the end of the season.
Nemanja Vidic was speaking exclusively to United Review, the official matchday programme, ahead of the Chelsea game on Monday night.
