Vidic Has Faith In Reds

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic says he has already seen plenty of positives in the performance and attitude of the squad during pre-season to suggest the new campaign will be another successful one.

Vidic insists the players are well aware of the spotlight on the Reds this term following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

New manager David Moyes led the team to their first trophy of his reign at Wembley on Sunday after a 2-0 win over Wigan in the Community Shield clash and Vidic has confidence in his boss and team-mates to ensure 2013/14 is one to remember.

"People are questioning everyone. They are asking whether we can win the trophy again. Can we still be champions? That is not just about the manager, it is the players as well. Can the players perform the same way as they did before? We are trying to train hard to show what we can do," the skipper told PA Sport.

"We have a good work ethic to start with. We have trained well. Everyone wants to put themselves back into contention to win a trophy. I see the hunger. That is going to be important if we are going to win a trophy. I am pleased with that.

"Sunday was one more performance. It was another step up in form. It was important to win a trophy and it was another 90 minutes before the season starts.

"We have slowly been increasing our form and our performances have been getting better. I am pleased with the way we played. Hopefully we can step up again against Swansea [at the weekend]."

The Reds kick off the defence of their Championship crown with a trip to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday tea-time, before a run of matches against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in the opening few weeks of the campaign.

"It is the toughest start we have had since I have been here," added Vidic. "Obviously the first game is always important, especially when it is away. Swansea will be a tough place to go. They have some new signings.

"I am looking forward to it though. The players want to play big matches. We want to play tough matches. When you play for Manchester United you have to accept that challenge and be ready."

While there were plenty of positives to come out of Sunday's Wembley win, not least a record 16th Community Shield success, the downside were injuries to Rafael and Wilfried Zaha.

Vidic himself has seen his pre-season disrupted slightly by a sciatica complaint, but the skipper insists he is over that now and feeling good.

"I did train with the Reserves here, so I had a pre-season," he reasoned, after being asked about missing the first leg of Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

"I just didn't have as many matches as the other players. But I have played two 90 minutes now. I am feeling fit.

"As the season goes along and we have more matches I will get better and better but that is the same for every player. At the moment I feel really good. I am fit and looking forward to the new season."