Source: Daily_Mail
Man United star Vidic not bothered by demands of festive programme
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic is not concerned by the extra demands of the festive season.[LNB]While top players in Spain, Italy and Germany are putting their feet up and spending the holiday season at home, their English counterparts are preparing for a four-match programme which, for some, includes two games in three days.[LNB] Heads up: Vidic scores United's second goal against Wolves on Wednesday night[LNB]Vidic admits the Premier League's traditional Christmas programme was aculture shock when he first arrived at United from Spartak Moscow for£7.2million in 2006. But not any more.[LNB]'Other leagues tend to stop,' said the Serbia defender.[LNB]'It not only helps physically but mentally as well.[LNB]'Obviously, in the first full year I was at the club I found it hard to adapt because the season was so long.[LNB]'But now, it is not a problem. I have been here for three full seasons now so I know what to expect. I am used to it and I can cope.'[LNB]Whereas Sir Alex Ferguson would normally try to spread the load in a manner that Mick McCarthy would appreciate, in defence at least, it will be an impossibility this season.[LNB]With Wes Brown out for a fortnight with a hamstring injury and Vidic himself doubtful after tweaking a calf muscle following his goal against Wolves, Ferguson has no options.[LNB] Case for the defence: Vidic celebrates his goal at Old Trafford[LNB]Patrice Evra and Michael Carrick are already guaranteed places in the back four, along with Belgium international Ritchie De Laet, who made his first Premier League start in midweek.[LNB]If Vidic is fit, De Laet will fill in at right-back. However, if Vidic is ruled out, the former Stoke youngster will shift into the centre, leaving Darren Fletcher to occupy the right-back berth.[LNB]It is hardly the best scenario for a trip to Craven Cottage to face Roy Hodgson's under-rated Fulham outfit.[LNB]However, after bouncing back from that unexpected home defeat by Aston Villa with a 3-0 midweek victory over Wolves, United need to maintain winning form to move level with leaders Chelsea once more.[LNB]'For the last three seasons, this time of year has always been good for us,' said Vidic.[LNB]'We tend to play well, improve our form and produce results.[LNB]'I hope this year with the same because now it is important to win games.'[LNB] Chelsea ace Lampard: Ferguson's title claims are 'just mind games'Spurs, Villa or Man City - which team can gatecrash the top four this season?MANCHESTER UNITED FC
