Vidic – United title bid over

  • Posted on: 28 January 2014

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has admitted his side’s Premier League title hopes are over following the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a result which left the club 14 points off the top of the league and came as no surprise to some Betfair punters.

A Samuel Eto’o hat-trick saw Chelsea clinch three points that could be crucial to their own title hopes – with Betfair placing Jose Mourinho’s second in the odds behind Manchester City – and salt was rubbed deeper into United’s wounds when Vidic was sent off later in the game for a seemingly modest challenge of Eden Hazard.

The reigning Premier League champions have all been ruled out of this season’s title race with Betfair following their dismal defeat, and the United captain has now conceded his team’s defence of the title could now well be over. Vidic made it clear the main focus for the club would now be on securing a top-four spot and making sure this season isn’t a complete write off for David Moyes’ men.

"We are too far behind and we have now to focus on the top three or four. It's not going to be easy. We have to now fight to achieve the Champions League. We have to stay positive and stick together and work hard. With a bit of luck hopefully we can achieve that,” admitted the Serbian defender.

While this season has been a new experience for United fans, there is a real danger the club might not finish in the top-four this season unless the manager is able to sign some players. Moyes has made no secret over the fact the club need to bolster the squad before the end of the January window, and signing a new midfielder could well prove to be the difference between the club playing Champions League football next season and not.