Vidic: Relishes competition

Nemanja Vidic is pleased there will be intense competition for a centre-back spot next season. The inspirational skipper was missed by the Reds after a cruciate knee injury ended his campaign back in December and, although he will not make the pre-season tour, it's expected he'll be fit for the start of the 2012/2013 term. It promises to be a huge season for the club as United will bid to wrestle the Barclays Premier League trophy back across Manchester and Vidic feels the players will be up for the challenge. When asked by MUTV if it may be hard to win his place back, he replied: "Definitely. Jonny [Evans] has had a great year. I think Chris [Smalling] as well, before he got injured, is looking for that position as central defender. Rio [Ferdinand] is fit after a long time and was fit for so many games so we now have really big competition next year. "I don't mind that. I don't think any player minds that. It makes you train harder, play better and obviously we have so many games during the season that we need good players." With the team still in evolution, accruing 89 points was some feat but obviously not enough to retain the title, something that hurts the Serbian. "We cannot say we did well because we didn't win a trophy obviously," he stated. "But we have to remember a few players left, a few young players had to get used to playing every week for a club like Manchester United and we always have high expectations. "The young players did well and it was great experience for them this season. I think they managed really well but didn't have the luck in the end. "I definitely believe we're going to be better next year. We want the trophy back. You have to remember we've had so much success in the past few years but generations have changed with new players. "The club is looking to the future. We have to take some positives from this year. I believe next year will be a good year for the club and I believe we can win trophies again."