The changing shape of Manchester United's defence

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 02: Jose Fonte of Southampton battles with Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Manchestrer United at St Mary

The new injury to Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic could not have been timed worse for United fans. It is not just that he would miss some of the biggest fixtures of the first half of the season, but this also leaves just two fit center backs in the first team, with Chris Smalling and Phil Jones also sidelined. But as we recall the injury list for the club for the last three seasons, we get a big picture that is very worrisome. All the first team members, except for Patrice Evra, have had a bad injury history in the past three seasons. Ferdinand, with his niggling back problem, has been the most talked about case, but the history of injuries is same for the others, Rafael, Vidic, Smalling, Evans and now Jones.

So one really needs to sit up and take notice and ponder, why always the defence? Does the United coaching and medical staff need to really focus on this? Quite a number of these injuries have come during the training sessions. That leaves us wondering what exactly is the cause for this bad streak. The only season when United managed to keep a somewhat solid back four with Evra and a fantastic Vidic playing most games, they secured the title and an unbeaten run to the Champions League final.

Now the tragedy of the situation is that both the senior and experienced center backs Vidic and Ferdinand have now suffered serious injury problems. Ferdinand, though hobbling in the Liverpool fixture for about 10 minutes, had a good game and it just goes to show exactly how good he still is. But having lost some pace, he needs to rely on this defence partners to cover for him. Now with Vidic having two such serious injuries, it seems unlikely that he would be back to his domineering self. He too might loose some pace when he eventually regains fitness and match sharpness. But loosing Vidic either in the long term or short term, is a disaster for Manchester United, because his value is not just for his defensive skills but also as the team captain. In the past few seasons, apart from Vidic, we have seen Giggs, Neville, Evra and Ferdinand captain the squad, but they do not have the leadership skills as Vidic. In United’s last successful campaign, Vidic was fit and captained the team by example, giving hundred percent and demanding the same from others. The current squad does not really have a better leader who can keep calm and ask others to raise their game to perform in demanding games. Vidic does not seem like returning to full fitness prior to Christmas, and that is a serious void to fill.

While United seemed to be getting a new generation of center backs ready in Jones and Smalling, they are still to develop and mature. Both however, are currently nursing injuries. They have shown potential to eventually replace Vidic and Ferdinand but they are far from the finished product that United needs at the heart of the defence. Amidst all this, the meteoric rise of Jonny Evans as a center back is crucial. Evans, an academy product, have had moments of absolute madness which left fans cursing him. But last season the absence of Vidic thrust him into a role in which not many expect him to succeed. However, if that form continues, Evans would be a decent choice as a center back. He has played a fair share of matches, and hence is not completely inexperienced.

Whenever Smalling returns from injury and gets match fit, United should have some decent cover. But none of these can replace the Vidic-Ferdinand partnership at the center. Their experience, leadership skills, understanding in partnership and above all, great footballing skills make their worth enormous. In the short term, do not expect any of the new defenders to provide that quality at the back.

Signs from United academy products are very encouraging though. Michael Keane in particular, has won accolades for his growth as a potential first team player. Sir Alew would be hoping that one of these youths would break into the first team and ease the burden on an injury prone defence.

The interesting side of the issue is that if United can keep most of their defenders fit, they would have excellent options for the back with some really good players developing. But for a club chasing success every season, the young players would have to show maturity beyond their age. They need to learn quick. And above all, stay fit. But the dominance of a Ferdinand-Vidic partnership is still some way away from United. Following these injuries, Fergie might need to reconsider his first choice defensive pairing even when everyone is fit. Vidic or Ferdinand might never be back to their top form, but they still have contributions to make.