There’s life after Vidic

Vidic has confirmed his intention to seek a fresh challenge when his contract expires in the summer.

With Rio Ferdinand virtually certain to be leaving Old Trafford as well, it means Moyes must plan for life without the two men who have been the cornerstone of the Red Devils’ defence for almost a decade.

Numerous big names are bound to be linked with a summer transfer.

However, in Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, Moyes already has players with a combined total of 384 United appearances to call upon, in addition to 49 international caps and six league titles.

And while some may question whether the trio have what it takes to fill such vast shoes, Moyes will let them have the chance.

“Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans are already here. We’ll give them an opportunity to show what they are capable of,” said Moyes.

In addition to a new anchor at the heart of his defence, Vidic’s statement means Moyes is also on the lookout for a new captain. Although there are alternatives, in the form of Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick, the obvious choice — if he signs the contract extension United are discussing with him — would be Wayne Rooney.

Although it has cruelly been suggested Vidic is deserting a sinking ship, Moyes revealed it was a mutual decision to sever ties after over eight years’ service.

Though Vidic has not been the same player since rupturing cruciate ligaments in the Champions League defeat to Basle in December 2011, he has continued to lead United from the front, skippering the club to their last two titles.

With Evans not recovered from the calf injury sustained in last Saturday’s defeat at Stoke, Vidic will return from a three-match suspension in tomorrow’s Premier League encounter with an ailing Fulham outfit managed by Alex Ferguson’s former United assistant Rene Meulensteen.

Marouane Fellaini is not available though, after suffering a groin injury in training.

Moyes also revealed United may need to alter their pre-season arrangements. United were announced earlier this week as one of the eight teams set to participate in the lucrative International Champions Cup next summer.

The tournament, which also features Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool and both Milan clubs, will run from July 26 to August 4, played at 13 venues in total.

However, United are aware the dates clash with the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Europa League — the stage at which the lowest English contestant enters.

In the seedings are filled in a conventional manner, that would be the Capital One Cup winner, or — should the FA Cup winners have already qualified for the Champions League — the runners-up of that competition.

However, those qualification spots revert to the Premier League should they not be filled through cup combat, meaning that the team which finishes sixth — or seventh — might be the lowest ranked.

As United are presently seventh in the Premier League, that could mean they are unable to fulfil their lucrative US commitments.

For their part Fulham sit bottom of the Premier League, four points from safety, and go into the clash at Old Trafford having lost 1-0 at home to League One side Sheffield United in their FA Cup fourth-round replay on Tuesday night.

Head coach Rene Meulensteen feels his players have shown the desire to bounce back from that defeat.

“It is not the first time a Premier League side has stumbled over a Championship, League One or League Two team, that is what the FA Cup is for and where the charm comes from. We have to pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off and that is what we have done and making sure we are in the best possible way to travel to Old Trafford on Sunday.

“Let there be no mistake, United are still a fantastic club with a very, very good team. It is just the fact they aren’t firing from all cylinders and they will, it is just a matter of time.”