Defending a worry for United as Fergie has mind on derby

It’s rare that Alex Ferguson’s mind isn’t on the task in hand but that appears the case ahead of tonight’s encounter with CFR Cluj at Old Trafford.

With his side safely through to the Champions League’s knockout stages — and with top spot assured — the visit of the Romanians is almost incidental.

But looking ahead, the wily Scot is scared United’s cartoon defending is going to prove very costly in Sunday’s Manchester derby.

Ferguson appeared to dash hopes of Nemanja Vidic returning to lend a hand when he ruled the Serbian out of tonight’s game.

United need some sort of assistance, though. In conceding 32 goals so far this season, including three in quite awful fashion at Reading on Saturday, Ferguson said he could not remember a time when his side’s defence had been so leaky this side of Christmas.

It was actually 2001-02, when United conceded 39 goals in their first 23 games, and 41 before Santa made his way down the chimney.

Clearly, though, it is no laughing matter for Ferguson, especially when he considers what is lying in wait on the other side of town this weekend.

“It is a worry,” said Ferguson.

“If we perform like that on Sunday, then God knows what’s going to happen to us.

“We’ve lost 32 goals already — I can’t remember us losing so many goals before Christmas.

“Saturday was like Cartoon Cavalcade and when you see City have Balotelli, Dzeko — really tall players — it’s going to be a big challenge.

“It’s a concern. But that’s on Sunday. It’s five days away but at this moment in time it feels like five months.”

Whilst Ferguson’s words on Vidic’s readiness to play after September knee surgery were clear enough, until the Serbian actually fails to make the United squad, either tonight or at the weekend, they will be greeted with some degree of scepticism.

“I don’t think Nemanja will play (tomorrow),” said Ferguson.

“He feels he needs another few days’ training so he won’t be available.

“He’s not far away. He’s training well now but I think another few days will bring him on better.

“But if he doesn’t play tomorrow, there’s no chance he’ll play in the derby, although I wasn’t considering Nemanja for Sunday anyway.”

There is something contradictory about the last statement, especially as the United boss also raised the potential for Shinji Kagawa returning after two months out this weekend, even though Vidic trained with the main group at Carrington yesterday and the Japan international did not.

“Kagawa started running today and may make the bench [against City],” said Ferguson.

“The injury has taken longer than we thought but he’s much better now.”

The Red Devils are resigned to wide men Nani and Antonio Valencia missing out, though, which is why Ferguson is likely to use three strikers tonight, including Wayne Rooney.

“Wayne needs to play a lot of games to get his match-fitness up,” he said.

“He’s a strongly built lad and when he misses two games it takes him three games to come back. He’ll play tomorrow night and hopefully that brings him on further because Saturday was his best performance of the season so far.”

Danny Welbeck is hoping to make his 19th appearance of the season tonight. Welbeck has only scored once this season and contrasts sharply with Robin van Persie’s form, which the England international is trying to emulate.

“To see somebody with so much class come into the side and score goals,” said Welbeck.

“He’s a world-class striker and to watch him week in, week out is of great benefit to me. He is definitely someone I can look up to.”