Derby Defeat Spurred United On

The dismal derby defeat on Munich anniversary day served as a motivating factor and contributed to the Reds' good form since, according to Vidic.

The big Serbian was far from his best in that game and still surpassed his colleague Rio Ferdinand - and that tells a lot about our defending. Since that game, we have conceded only two goals, one of them was a great individual effort from Benzema and the other came in a game that was virtually over by that time.

But it's not just the defence that got their act together as we've scored 14 goals in 5 matches since and advanced to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and the Champions League.

"Look at us now," Vidic told Manchester United Radio. "We`re playing better than ever and we`re only point behind Arsenal in the league.

'I think losing to City was a wake-up call and helped us realise that if we don`t play to our best then we won`t necessarily win."

"We`re doing well right now and I hope we`ll keep this momentum going."

"I want to play in the big games and win trophies; that`s why I`m at Manchester United. Every game is crucial now and it`s important we keep our shape and don`t lose too many goals."