Vidic never doubted United’s ability to bounce back

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.

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.

“Now we are at the top of the league and have a big chance to win it.”

Meanwhile Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has dismissed some of the more lurid claims about his mystery foot injury and revealed he could be fit to face Arsenal on Sunday.

Last week, Blues manager Roberto Mancini said Aguero would miss the Premier League encounter with Sunderland after picking up what he said was a “stupid” injury.

It subsequently transpired Aguero had a swollen foot, which had reacted badly to a spray applied to treat an injury.

How Aguero got the initial injury was the subject of numerous claims, including one that he had fallen off his son’s motocross bike and another that he had tripped down the steps of the team bus.

That City’s £38 million record signing missed the draws against Stoke and Sunderland which mean the club are now five points adrift of overwhelming title favourites Manchester United just made the situation even worse.

However, Aguero insists there is less to the injury than some have tried to claim. “During the match against Chelsea, I injured my ankle and it was sprayed with a topical anaesthetic that caused a burn on the upper part of my right foot,” said Aguero.

“The injury worsened after a few days and when boils appeared I was told I wouldn’t play against Stoke and then against Sunderland.

“After that I started receiving incredible rumours about how it all happened.

“I know my life is very public and I’m willing to take criticism even if I disagree with it. but I will not sit quietly while lies are being spread — even more so if they cast doubt upon my professionalism.

“This is a simple injury and not a plot of intrigue.”