Vidic claims United title challenge never in doubt... with or without him
By Sportsmail Reporter
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Nemanja Vidic never had any doubt Manchester United would shrug off his season-ending absence and make a strong defence of their Premier League title.
When Vidic was stretchered off with ruptured cruciate ligaments against Basle in December as United crashed out of the Champions League, there were many who believed their entire campaign would be a disaster.
Already trailing to a rampant Manchester City, with Wayne Rooney and David de Gea amongst the most notable central figures struggling for form and their captain now sidelined, it was hard to see what positives would emerge from the wreckage of a devastating European exit.
Injury: Nemanja Vidic has been sidelined for most of the season
Less than four months on, United are now five points clear, Rooney has 28 goals and De Gea has made a succession of vital saves, the latest at Blackburn on Monday, that have ensured the Red Devils have taken maximum advantage of City's slump.
Vidic is still missing of course, however the Serbian is taking pride in his team-mate's achievements.
'I always believed we would challenge for the title,' he said.
'It doesn't matter who is out. Manchester United never depend on one player.
'If you look at the past, players have left and fans have said how are we going to cope?
'But the manager is the best at replacing players and the team still win titles and trophies.
'That is why Manchester United are so special.'
It was not part of the plan for Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck to be exposed quite as often as they have been.
Yet, from their introduction during the Community Shield in August, the quintet have given the impression of relishing responsibility.
It is this that has helped United overcome their massive injury problems, and also provide such hope for the future.
'We didn't expect the young players would play so many games and have such influence on the team,' said Vidic.
Title challenge: Vidic was sure his team would press for the title in his stead
'This is a great plus for the club.
'Obviously we have had some injuries over the past year, which is another difficult thing we have gone through, but we have coped and been very competitive with Manchester City.
'Now we are at the top of the league and have a big chance to win it.'
The frustration for Vidic is that he has been reduced to a watching brief.
He is making good progress in his recovery, although he is determined not to push it and risk a setback, hence suggestions he might re-appear before the end of this season were always a non-starter.
'I never thought about coming back,' he said.
Lead: Manchester United are top by five points from City
'I am not pushing. I am lucky, the manager and the physios and the doctor weren't trying to beat the record.
'They didn't want me to come back in five months. There would be no point rushing to play one or two games.
'As soon as I got the injury and had the operation, I knew I wouldn't be back. I am just focussed on next season.'
Even as he left St-Jakob Park in agony, Vidic was determined not to feel sorry for himself.
Without the relentless grind of matches, other targets had to be set.
Super strike: Antonio Valencia showed why Vidic has such faith in his team-mates with a stunning goal on Monday
To this end, Vidic has a clear goal.
'When I come back I want to be at the same level I was before my injury. This is one of the things that drive me on," he said.
'I can't change what happened. I have to get on with it.
'Even when you have an injury, there are some benefits. I know the stuff I am doing now will help me not to have this again.
'Of course, I am not happy to be out. It is a big injury. A long injury. But I am 30. I still have a few years to play.
'I don't believe I will be on top form as soon as I come back but when people say I can't be the same this is a challenge for me.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2125093/Nemanja-Vidic-doubted-Manchester-United-challenge-title.html#ixzz1r6wuZMss
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