Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic: Rio Ferdinand & I Can Rediscover Last Season's Good Form

Manchester United's centre-back pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic was once revered as one of the strongest in the Premier League, but the partnership - and in particular the form of Ferdinand - has come under intense media scrutiny of late. The England international's best days, according to critics, are behind him.

Vidic, though, counters that once both he and Ferdinand have returned to Sir Alex Ferguson's XI following their respective injuries, he has no doubts the old guard will rise to the fore once more.

"Will Rio get back to his best? Yes, why not? I don't think he is under pressure - he has shown how good he is, but he needs to be fit," Vidic is quoted by the official website of the Premier League as saying.

"When he is fit he is a top-class player," he said, echoing Pini Zahavi's recent sentiments when the Israeli super-agent dismissed the notion that Ferdinand is no longer in his prime. Zahavi attributed the defender's loss of form to a series of injuries.

"I missed part of pre-season," Vidic said, regarding his own game.

"I had an injury to my ankle, my back and then my calf.

"When you have injuries it is very difficult to find form. But I hope I am 100 per cent now."

The Serbian also claimed that a lower points haul than last season could claim the title, as United, and also Liverpool, have already lost a number of points.

"This year someone could get 85 points, but maybe less will win the league. Ourselves and Liverpool have lost so many points compared to previous years. But it's different this season."

Manchester United, who have conceded 12 goals so far this season, play Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday.