Vidic confident of United success

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic insisted that the club can secure a 20th Premier League title without him.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side currently trail Manchester City at the top of the table by three points, but the United skipper believes that their experience will help them overcome Roberto Mancini’s challengers.

The Red Devils travel to Arsenal this weekend hoping for a repeat of their 8-2 thrashing of the Gunners earlier this season, and Vidic is confident his side will secure all the spoils at the Emirates.

He told The Daily Mirror: “If you look at our history and commitment, you know we like to win all trophies and I believe we are the team in Manchester who will keep doing that every year.”

“Of course we’re confident. We’re challenging for the title and we’re only three points behind City.”

“We’ve had problems with injuries, but I think against Arsenal this weekend we have a good chance.”

United have suffered with injuries all season long but with a number of players returning to fitness and Paul Scholes’ dramatic retirement backflip, Vidic is predicting glory for Ferguson’s side once again.

He continued: “We have a few players back, which will help the manager. We have a good squad – a good balance between experience and youth.”

“It’s good for the city of Manchester to have two football teams doing well. There’s a lot of talk and banter.”

“It’s always healthy to have competition and we don’t mind it. It helps to improve ourselves.”

Vidic suffered a serious knee injury after tangling with Basel striker Marco Streller during December’s 2-1 defeat to the Swiss side, a result which saw United crash out of the Champions League.

The Serbian is hopeful of returning for the start of next season and is confident he can maintain his level of performances which have seen him become one of the most fearsome and dominant defenders in world football.

“Everything is going well. I had my operation three weeks ago and it’s progressing in the right way. I still have a long way to go, but I will be patient. I have motivation to work hard and I want to be back as soon as possible,” Vidic said.

‘”I want to be fit and at the same level I was at before the injury. That will push me to work hard.”

“There’s no timescale for my return. It’s not about targeting a date but I hope I will be right for the start of next season.”