Old Trafford chief says the experienced defenders know they are under pressure to keep out Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, who filled in impressively in recent weeks
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic to keep their places in the starting XI following the emergence of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.
The Red Devils have enjoyed a fine start to the campaign despite being without the experienced duo of Ferdinand and Vidic for large periods, and the Scot says they will now face a constant battle to start in the centre of defence.
"Competition is so fierce now with these young lads coming through."
Ferdinand has been in the spotlight in recent weeks after England manager Fabio Capello chose to leave out his former captain from his latest squad, and the 69-year-old believes it could spell the end of his player’s international career.
"Rio is back to his best form, he has trained really well and his experience will be vital," the manager enthused.
"The England thing is unfortunate because he missed a couple of appearances through injury and maybe Fabio is looking to the future.
"Some managers think that way. There is nothing wrong with that."
Vidic is also in contention to return to the starting XI after playing 90 minutes for Serbia in their recent shock defeat to Slovenia.
"I spoke to Nemanja yesterday and it was probably the right type of game to come back in," said Ferguson.
"He had to get a game sometime. He was training very well before that game and has come back feeling fine."
The Red Devils have enjoyed a fine start to the campaign despite being without the experienced duo of Ferdinand and Vidic for large periods, and the Scot says they will now face a constant battle to start in the centre of defence.
"Rio and Nemanja are well aware they are going to have to play well to keep their places," Ferguson told The Mirror.
"Competition is so fierce now with these young lads coming through."
Ferdinand has been in the spotlight in recent weeks after England manager Fabio Capello chose to leave out his former captain from his latest squad, and the 69-year-old believes it could spell the end of his player’s international career.
"Rio is back to his best form, he has trained really well and his experience will be vital," the manager enthused.
"The England thing is unfortunate because he missed a couple of appearances through injury and maybe Fabio is looking to the future.
"Some managers think that way. There is nothing wrong with that."
Vidic is also in contention to return to the starting XI after playing 90 minutes for Serbia in their recent shock defeat to Slovenia.
"I spoke to Nemanja yesterday and it was probably the right type of game to come back in," said Ferguson.
"He had to get a game sometime. He was training very well before that game and has come back feeling fine."
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