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.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. Heads up: Vidic scores United's second goal against Wolves on Wednesday nightVidic 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.'Other leagues tend to stop,' said the Serbia defender.'It not only helps physically but mentally as well.'Obviously, in the first full year I was at the club I found it hard to adapt because the season was so long.'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.'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.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. Case for the defence: Vidic celebrates his goal at Old TraffordPatrice 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.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.It is hardly the best scenario for a trip to Craven Cottage to face Roy Hodgson's under-rated Fulham outfit.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.'For the last three seasons, this time of year has always been good for us,' said Vidic.'We tend to play well, improve our form and produce results.'I hope this year with the same because now it is important to win games.' 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

Source: Daily_Mail