News that Nemanja Vidic will be out for the rest of the season will be a massive blow to our plans this season.
In an ever changing back line, Vidic’s imperious presence has ensured that the holes have been patched over. So to know that we won’t be seeing him again until next term due to ruptured cruciate ligaments in his knee will knock us for six as well as provide a massive boost to our rivals.
Already 5 points behind City in the title race, the chase has just been made infinitely harder and with a tough christmas period coming up we need our best players playing.
Injury hasn’t been kind to us this season and Vidic’s name is the latest to add to a list that will surely continue to grow.
This leaves us now with 4 center backs as well as auxiliary defenders in Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher but with Rio Ferdinand ’s inability to remain fit for sustained spells and whispers that he is on the slide, the picture is even bleaker.
For me Rio is still a majestic defender, he might not be playing at his optimum this term but is still more than capable (although having Vidic beside him makes his job all the more easier).
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So what now?
Well we have 3 of the best young center backs in the country and they will all need to step up.
Phil Jones has been the talk of the town this season and now more than ever he will need to show just why he is so highly regarded and it isn’t beyond him, he has a ‘let’s get it done attitude’ so he won’t be daunted by the task.
Whilst his energy in midfield has been refreshing as we can be a bit placid, there he is simple wetting his beak, his real role will be at center back and the tutorial will properly begin now.
Whilst he is still learning it is at moments like this legends are born/cemented so he has a chance to grow to his burgeoning reputation.
Like Jones, Chris Smalling will need to rise to the occasion. Solid recently, he had a blip against Basel on Wednesday as he lost Frei for their second goal.
I think at the moment Smalling is the better option for center back; whilst he and Jones are both blessed ability wise, I’d give Smalling the edge in terms of maturity and discipline.