Fergie on back foot

Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping Manchester United can limp through the next week before finally seeing their defensive woes start to ease.

With Chris Smalling and Phil Jones sidelined, the United boss last week expressed the hope his remaining centre–halves would remain fit.

That desire was dashed on Tuesday, when it was confirmed skipper Nemanja Vidic had undergone knee surgery that will keep him out for another two months.

It leaves Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans as United's only fit central defenders for tomorrow night’s encounter with Tottenham.

And as his side also have a Champions League trip to Cluj and a Premier League match with Newcastle before the next international break, Ferguson must feel like wrapping Ferdinand and Evans in cotton wool.

"We are having a hard time," said Ferguson. "Nemanja Vidic being out is a blow to us.. We just hope if we can get through the next two league games it will give us a little breather and we can start to get one or two of them back."

With Wayne Rooney recovered from his gashed thigh and Tom Cleverley finally opening his United scoring account, Ferguson may decide attack is the best form of defence against Spurs.




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