Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Vidic adds to Fergie's problems

16 Dec 2009 - 07:59:16

Click To Enlarge

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Manchester United are back down to the bare bones defensively following Tuesday's 3-0 victory over Wolves.

Nemanja Vidic scored one of the goals at Old Trafford but limped out of the game in the second half with a calf strain.

Before the match it was confirmed that Wes Brown had picked up a hamstring injury and the absence of both he and Vidic means that eight defenders are likely to be unavailable for Saturday's trip to Fulham.

But despite the fresh blow, Ferguson claims United have the squad strength necessary to maintain their push for the Premier League title.

Central midfielder Michael Carrick is likely to start at centre-half against Fulham alongside 21-year-old full-back Ritchie de Laet.

"Ritchie showed some promise and he will probably be there on Saturday," said Ferguson.

"We just have to get on with it.

"I think Wolves made it difficult for us with a good team effort. They tackled everywhere, they pressed the ball, and made it hard for us to get our continuity.

"It was comfortable in the end though. Vidic's goal settled us. He's probably our best threat at set-pieces because he'll attack the ball bravely and his header was very good.

"There were one or two nice bits of football in the second half, including a marvellous third goal from Valencia. It was a terrific finish."