Reds' Defence: Reason For Optimism

Nemanja Vidic stated he and Rio are on the same wavelength. I think we had noticed that, too.

The pair worked together almost perfectly this season which saw United conceding two goals in 10 games in the Premiership and the Champions League. Two of our players certainly can't criticised at the moment and it's down to their perfect understanding.

'Rio is a great player and I am really glad to be in the same defence as him,' said Vidic.

'We know each other really well. We know where each other are on the pitch and we know what movements the other one is going to make. That has to be important and so far things have gone really well.

'There are so many great players up front for us, if we keep a clean sheet we feel someone will score in the end and I am pretty proud our record is so good.'

The understanding between them is obvious and welcome but there's more to it I believe. Both of them are excellent defenders of course but that is not enough in itself, see how Terry and Rio commit pitiful mistakes when playing together.

The most important thing is that they complement each other. I've said it before and will say it again that Rio is the best natural defender I've seen for a long time, his skills are only matched by those of Alessandro Nesta. Yet it's true that his concentration and focus often let him down.

And that's why he's at his best if he's got a committed, fiery, no-nonsense defender beside him like Nemanja Vidic. Rio is a leader, an organiser if I can use this term whereas Vidic is someone who is not afraid of... well, anything.

Their pairing is absolutely perfect, I believe no team in the world can boast such a naturally fitting duo. And that's a very good reason of why we are more than capable of achieving big things this season despite the less-than-impressive form of our front men.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.

Join the Vital Fantasy Football League - its Free!