Source: Daily_Mail
Rio Ferdinand 'is still going strong' says Nemanja Vidic: There's life in the old dogs yet
The one tribute Sir Alex Ferguson perhaps didn't expect on an emotional day at Old Trafford was for his team to play like they did on his first day in charge, at Oxford a quarter of a century ago. Make no mistake, his side are playing with lead in their boots right now.[LNB]However, on another afternoon of dreary but ultimately effective football, the United manager will perhaps have been cheered by the sight of central defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic back in harness. [LNB]If United are finding it hard at one end of the field, the most important thing is to get things right at the other. The Barclays Premier League champions have played four games since their 6-1 mauling by Manchester City and are yet to concede a goal.[LNB]For the first time since the opening day of the season, Vidic and Ferdinand are back together. [LNB] In tandem: Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic helped United keep their fourth consecutive clean sheet[LNB]In Saturday's 1-0 win over Sunderland, Ferguson switched them round Vidic on the right, Ferdinand on the left. The outcome was the same. [LNB]Vidic said: '(The switch) didn't cause us a problem. It was good to be playing together. Rio had a great game today. I think his experience is important , especially when you have young players in the team and the players are changing all the time.'[LNB]With Ferdinand celebrating his 33rd birthday today and reminded publicly by his manager just last week that he must adapt his game as his career edges towards its final years, it is far from certain that he will be at Old Trafford a year from now.[LNB]Vidic, too, has his own issues as he continues to be courted by Real Madrid.[LNB] Fitting tribute: Sir Alex Ferguson was given a guard of honour before a match in which United failed to spark[LNB]Nevertheless, their presence in Ferguson's team is important and Vidic was quick to criticise those he feels have penned Ferdinand's obituaries prematurely in recent weeks. [LNB]'When you look at what is happening to Rio over the last few weeks, it's wrong,' he added. 'This is a player who played in most of the big games last season, helped us win the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final and yet after one game people are saying he is not good enough. [LNB]'I think this is wrong and Rio showed that today. He showed class, he showed determination, as well as his ability to help the players around him. [LNB]'Sometimes when you have been at the top a long time like Rio has, people judge you on your age they are waiting for one bad game to say he is finished. [LNB]'What he did today is the perfect way toshow he is not finished. He showed strength of character. He showed everyone that he still has the quality and ability to play at the top level. [LNB] Bright lights: Ferdinand keeps Nicklas Bendtner at bay before the newly-renamed Sir Alex Ferguson Stand[LNB]'I hope Rio stays fit because he is a player who can help the young players, and the team.'[LNB]Ferguson's remarkable anniversary was marked appropriately by his club before the game. From that point of view, they got everything right. [LNB]On the field, the 69-year-old will know he has some issues to address. Wayne Rooney was excellent in central midfield again but the fact England's most talented forward is playing there at all speaks volumes for some of United's problems. [LNB]It is not enough to say that his players were affected by the significance of Ferguson's anniversary. The fact is that they have looked ponderous ever since the 3-1 defeat of Chelsea at Old Trafford in mid-September. [LNB]Ferguson will be encouraged by the fact that United remain second. He will also be heartened by the manner in which QPR made life uncomfortable for leaders City at the weekend. [LNB]Ultimately, though, he must find a way to bring about improvement. 'If you look at the performances we can definitely do better,' added Vidic. [LNB] Enlarge The Sir Alex Ferguson stand is unveiled at Old Trafford after a plot that kept Fergie in the darkLindegaard: Fergie has built United from the bottom, we're all lucky to be hereRedknapp: They'll end up taking Fergie out of Old Trafford in a box... and I'll be the sameUnited we stand! Sir Alex Ferguson has Old Trafford's north stand named in his honourMan United 1 Sunderland 0: Brown's own goal ensures Fergie's big day doesn't fall flatAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinon[LNB]
