Chelsea 3 Manchester United 1: Premier League title defence is over, admits captain Nemanja Vidic after crushing loss

A Samuel Eto'o hat-trick saw United slip 14 points behind leaders Arsenal and Vidic, who was sent-off late on at Stamford Bridge, believes the gap is now too much to claw back

Nemanja Vidic can't believe his red card in the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea (GETTY IMAGES)

Nemanja Vidic believes Manchester United are too far behind in the table to seriously contemplate defending their Barclays Premier League title.

United lie 14 points behind leaders Arsenal following the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

United captain Vidic, who was sent off late in the game for a challenge on Eden Hazard, thinks his side should concentrate on qualifying for the Champions League by finishing in the top four.

Samuel Eto'o scored a hat-trick before Javier Hernandez netted a consolation for David Moyes' side.

Unlike his manager, who refused to concede the title race was over, Vidic thinks United should set new goals.

Asked if United were too far behind leaders Arsenal to challenge for the title, Vidic told Sky Sports: "Yes, I think so now we are too far behind.

"We have to focus now to get in the top three, top four. We have to be positive."

With United also lying six points off the top four Vidic admitted even qualifying for the Champions League would not be straightforward.

He said: "It's not going to be easy but we have to now fight for different things.

"We have to focus on the (Capital One) Cup and the Champions League.

"It's never easy but we have to stay positive, we have to stick together, we have to work hard to change the things around.

"Hopefully we can play better football and with a bit of luck I think we can achieve that."

Vidic felt his dismissal by referee Phil Dowd was harsh.

"I think it was a bit harsh because I went for the ball," he said.

"Hazard is a sharp player, he just pushed the ball."

PA