[pun9jay]

VIDIC RETURNS TO TRAINING
Posted 16/04/08 07:58
EmailPrintSave


Nemanja Vidic has returned to training and is in contention to feature for Manchester United against Blackburn Rovers this weekend.

The Serbian's recovery from a knee injury is a major fillip for the Premiership leaders ahead of next week's Champions League semi-final with Barcelona. United have displayed unusual vulnerability in defence since Vidic was crocked against Roma.

However, he is reported to have emerged unscathed from a training session on Tuesday and, barring a setback during the rest of the week, is likely to make his first-team comeback at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson has welcomed the confirmation that Rio Ferdinand, Vidic's regular partner in the centre of United's defence, is poised to sign a new five-year deal.

"He's on the point of signing a new contract and we're very happy about that," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

"But we always try and get everyone, all the players on longer contracts so we're not chasing things, and sometimes we maybe slip up but not often.

"They are all crucial, but Rio's been playing a fantastic part this season.

"A lot of times he has been captain when Ryan hasn't been available or when we've rested Ryan, and he's done very well then too so these are all encouraging things."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes! The rock that is Nemanja Vidic is back in training, although I was sorta hoping that Pique would get more games to keep him happy and that he's a valued member of our squad even if he doesn't play as much as Vidic or Rio, but he'll no doubt get games if he stays on at United.

 

[stretty]

music to the ears , vidic what a star

 

[iali001]

yeh excellent news about vidic , he is one of the best central defenders around

 

[yangch0000]

vidic in full speed to barcelona!! moscow next in sight!!

 

[reddwarf]

It'll be great to have him back but there's no need to rush him. I think Pique could cope at Blackburn and we have huge games against Barca and Chelsea coming up after that.

Although if he's fully fit for the Blackburn game then I'll welcome him with open arms!

 

[abojodeh]

vidic is our gratest defender ever (i guess)
and we will have no problem from barcelona attacks

 

[RedForceRising]

Undoubtedly the best piece of news I have read all day!

The Serbian Rock.

Vidic is really the steel in defence and the partnership he has formed with Rio is more than the sum of its parts.

I too was hoping Pique would get more games and I wouldn;t be surprised to see Vidic coming on as a sub against Blackburn as opposed to him starting the game.

Just to give him a run out before the Battle at Barcelona! *RageAgainstTheMachine plays in the background*

 

[spwaff]

This is the last thing Bacelana camp would love to hear//////nightmares for them i guess but great great news to us.....................

 

[akash_reds]

excellent news......wish he returned earlier...but anyway....
great news.....hopefully he will return before the champions league game....or atleast in the chelsea game.....but great hews nonethless

 

[marty davidson]

i don't think fergie will risk him against Blackburn hopefully he will be fit for the Barcelona match

 

[NateR]

Great news. Rio & Vidic will be crucial to our success against Barcelona. Those 2gether can handle Barca's attacking talent.

 

[Zenitka]

Its good.

 

[Nigel'sChin]

great news. but i hope we start with pique and give him a run out around 20mins from time. there isnt a need to rush him back fast. pique would be able to cope with blackburn.

 

[dlan4327]

I think if Fergie plays Vidic this weekend straight away it will make up Pique's mind to leave. I would be sad to see Pique leave but I can't see him getting any games as long as we have Vidic and Rio fit. I've got a feeling he'll leave in the summer when he's out of contract. Hopefully he'll go to Spain, I'd prefer that than having to deal with him week in, week out in the Premiership.

 

[ManUtd08]

wicked welcum bk vidic do well in game yeh

 

[moondog]

I think it has been fairly obvious from the last three (and a half) games without Vidic how vulnerable are back four is when he is not in there - we have given up way too many quality chances and have been somewhat fortunate to get the results we have.

Apologies to all Rio fans, but Vidic is THE key man in the middle. All you have to do is look at the improvement defensively since he's has been at United to see the impact - fewer goals against and trophies. As well, the back 4 performs so much better with Vidic (without Rio) than it does with Rio (without Vidic).

It's a difficult call whether to start him against blackburn - but if he's 90%, you have to play him. The PL race isn't over quite yet...

 

[jd_united]

I think everyone will agree this is good news. Vida is a key man for us and even though Pique did well against Arsenal, I would rather see Vidic in there against the likes of Henry, Messi etc. Having only been out for a couple of weeks, he shouldn't have lost too much match sharpness and I back him to be as formidable as ever on his return

 

[pass_me_a_rizla]

I think it's be beneficial for Pique to get some experience against Blackburn, a physical game. He's a big lad our Pique is at 6ft4, be nice to see him get more games and give Vidic or Rio a rest. I'd like to give Rio a rest, he's just as important as is Vidic but hasn't had any time off recently. I'd want him fresh for Barcelona... AFterall, if his foot doesn't heal 100%, how's he going to spring a hedder into the Barcelona net? lol

 

[dckyfoxes]

Great to have him back... it's a relieved...

 

[jimmy_13]

Vidic is the greatest defender in man utd now.Better than Rio. What a good news!