Reds put their faith in Vidic

NEMANJA Vidic is rapidly becoming one of Manchester United’s key players – at both ends of the pitch.

Central defender Vidic has been a tower of strength at the back during the recent injury-enforced absence of captain Rio Ferdinand.

And he has also been an increasing threat at set pieces, netting the only goal of the game in the home victory over Sunderland and grabbing the all-important first against Premier League title rivals Chelsea on Sunday.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is counting on Vidic to see the Reds through a possible injury crisis at Bolton tomorrow when United will go above current leaders Liverpool, for two days at least, if they can register a fourth successive league win.

Despite a ninth successive clean sheet in Wednes-day’s 1–0 Premier League victory over Wigan at Old Trafford, Ferguson has a few concerns.

In attack, Wayne Rooney will be missing for three weeks and Carlos Tevez is a major doubt after limping out of a challenge by Titus Bramble.

But it is in defence where United could be stretched the most. Already without Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, the Reds could be missing Jonny Evans at the Reebok Stadium, too, after the Northern Ireland star suffered an injury which left him struggling to complete the full 90 minutes.