Nemanja Vidic says Manchester United ready to make flying start
Nemanja Vidic declared Manchester United were primed to make a flying start to the season following their latest incredible comeback in the Community Shield.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men produced a trademark second-half Houdini act against Manchester City at Wembley yesterday to turn a 2-0 defeat into a last-gasp 3-2 victory.
That allowed captain Vidic to lift the first silverware of the new season and send out a message to United's trophy rivals, including big-spending City.
But defender Vidic said: "I didn't think about that.
"We just have to look at ourselves and take the best from this game.
"A few players had really good games, especially young players.
"We just showed we are ready for the season."
It was United's youngsters who shone yesterday, proving the never-say-die spirit which has been one of the hallmarks of Ferguson's reign is alive and well in the next generation.
Vidic added: "We were 2-0 down after the first half and to change the game to 3-2, it's a great performance, great performance especially second half."
Asked the age-old question about what the manager had said at half-time, Vidic replied: "He just said, 'You have to keep going, doing the same stuff'.
"We did it first half, obviously. We kept the ball well.
"Maybe we gave away two easy goals but, overall, he was happy with the performance."
Nominally a 'friendly', an all-Manchester affair ensured yesterday's game was anything but, with City lucky to finish the game with 11 men.
United refused to take a backward step either and Vidic said: "I know it's the Community Shield. Maybe it's not that important a trophy.
"But, still, it's a derby game and we wanted to win this game.
"City, I think is the same. They showed it with the challenges they did in the first half.
"Overall, I think it was a good game and the fans could enjoy it."
There were several standout performances from United but the man-of-the-match honours went to two-goal hero Nani, whose equaliser was one of the great Wembley team goals.
The Portuguese spent the early part of his Old Trafford career in the shadow of compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo but the past year has seen him begin to emerge as a match-winner in his own right.
Vidic said: "He is one of the players who had a great game.
"He is sharp, quick, his finishing was magnificent, and I think there is more to come from him."
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