Sir Alex Ferguson may not push the panic button yet, but with only 5 games to go and Chelsea within 3 points of Man United, the race for the title will surely go down to the wire.

With Chelsea hitting top form at this final stage, Sir Alex will need all his resources at his disposal and he know well enough that losing his two main centrehalf is not a good prospect for the remaining games.

While many would say that Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez are the key players for Man Utd this season, it is actually the defensive partnership of Vidic and Ferdinand that provide the foundation for the defending champion. Many still remember how Man Utd defenders were outclassed by AC Milan when both Vidic and Ferdinand were out injured, however it would be a major shock they failed to advance to the Champions League semifinal this year.

Against AS Roma, it should be a stroll, however it is next week crunching home match against Arsenal that would provide the test to United’s title credential. For that matter, United just can’t afford to be without both Vidic and Ferdinand.

english premier league, EPL, man city, rio ferdinand, vidic

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