Vidic Jumps To Defence Of Team Mate

Manchester United skipper Nemanja Vidic has refuted claims that Rio Ferdinand’s playing days are numbered.

Vidic jumped to the defence of Ferdinand, 33, amid claims his best days are behind him with England manager Fabio Capello leaving him out his latest squad and Sir Alex Ferguson confirming his former captain is no longer guaranteed a first team place.

However, speaking after United 1-0 victory over Blackburn on Saturday, Vidic said:

“Sometimes when you have been at the top a long time like Rio has, people judge you on your age and are waiting for one bad game to say he is finished.

“What he did today is the perfect way to show he is not finished.

“He showed everyone that he still has the quality and ability to play at the top level.”

The former England skipper has also struggled with persistent niggling injuries, with has lead to some questioning his future at Old Trafford.