Source: Daily_Mail
Nemanja Vidic aims to avoid three-card trick against nemesis Fernando Torres
Nemanja Vidic, the Manchester United defender sent off twice in defeats against Liverpool last season, has more reason than most to look back in anger at a year that has seen his form dip a little below levels of excellence. [LNB]But the Serbian with the boxer's frame and diplomat's manner anticipated a possible rematch with Fernando Torres at Anfield tomorrow with a gentle reminder that the Liverpool striker has not had it all his own way since his arrival in England two years ago. [LNB]Vidic said: 'Apart from those games, I can remember having played some good matches for Manchester United. You must remember, I played twice against Torres before that and he didn't score. So maybe we should focus on that.'[LNB][LNB] [LNB] [LNB] [LNB] Game to forget: Nemanja Vidic lies helpless on the ground watching in horror as Fernando Torres sprints past him to score for Liverpool at Old Trafford[LNB] Despite his status as United's favourite hard man, Vidic's play relies more on sound judgment, anticipation and timing than brute force. That, however, only makes it more surprising that he was dismissed as United lost 2-1 at Anfield last season and then again as Liverpool's 4-1 demolition job at Old Trafford threatened United's title hopes. [LNB]The game in Manchester was particularly painful. Embarrassed by Torres as the Spaniard scored in the first half, then drawn into a clumsy foul on Steven Gerrard late on, Vidic left the field in a daze. [LNB]'It was an unusual defeat,' reflected Vidic, 28-1 with one bookmaker to receive a red card tomorrow. 'I made some mistakes personally and so did the team. But it's in the past. [LNB]Marching orders: Vidic sees red[LNB]'Of course it bothered me. When you make mistakes, especially in such a high-profile game, you always go through a hard time. But I managed to get through it. All I am interested in is the future and preparing myself the best I can for the next game.'[LNB] Recovered from a calf injury, Vidic played 90 minutes in United's 1-0 win at CSKA Moscow on Wednesday and will partner Rio Ferdinand tomorrow. He does not think Liverpool's difficult season has already cost them their chance of the title. [LNB]'Winning in Moscow was very good for our confidence ahead of the Liverpool game, especially as we kept a clean sheet as well,' he said. 'In the last few games we've conceded a few goals, so it's a good start for the next few games ahead of us to keep a clean sheet. [LNB]'But look at the big picture. It's not one or two games left this season. We have 20-something games left to play. And I think this season clubs are going to drop a lot of points.[LNB] 'Look at what's happening at the moment. We've dropped points, so have Chelsea and Arsenal, Liverpool even more. Manchester City have good quality this season, Arsenal are playing well, so I think we have five or six teams who can win and lose against each other.' [LNB]Torres looks like overcoming the injury problems that have kept him out, so Vidic won't have to wait for a chance of revenge. 'To be honest, it doesn't matter,' he said.[LNB] 'I've been here three-and-a-half years. If I need one game to prove whether or not I'm a good player, then I haven't achieved much since coming to England.'[LNB] From Kop Kid to a Red Devil: Michael Owen returns to Liverpool with arch-rivals Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson: It's always the bosses who are made the scapegoatsMANCHESTER UNITED FC
