Nemanja Vidic backs Evans, Smalling and Jones to fill the void left by him and Ferdinand

The future of Manchester United and England National team

Departing Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has backed defensive trio Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones to fill in the void left by the Serbian and English Cenre-back Rio Ferdinand.Ferdinand announced on Monday evening that he’ll leave the club this summer.

“I think it’s up to the new manager to decide but what I have to say is I have been training and playing with these guys and they definitely have all the ability they need to become top players.

“I think Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, first of all, are people who are attracting a lot of interest here because they are national-team players and the future of English football, not just Manchester United.

“They definitely have the physical strength, pace and technique to play for this club and I think now is the time for them to step up next year and to maybe form the new partnership with Jonny Evans.

“I believe those three have to be the players who are carrying on and becoming the United defenders for the next seven or eight years. I think they have that capability and the experience to step up.”