Manchester United visit Ewood Park to face Blackburn today requiring just a point to win their 19th English title, with captain Nemanja Vidic believing the club’s critics have propelled them to success this season.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad has had setbacks this term but that has not stopped them from being the most successful side in the Premier League and, with 36 games played, they are six points clear at the summit.
Last weekend’s victory against Chelsea means United simply need to avoid losing against either Rovers or Blackpool in their remaining two encounters to regain the title from the second-placed Londoners. If they do, United will break the record of 18 titles they currently share with archrivals Liverpool.
In retrospect, United captain Vidic feels that the team benefited a lot from their critics.
“Compliments are not always good for you, criticism can help a team,” said the central defender. “It can push you forward. You have to work harder to prove to your critics that anything they are saying is not true.”
Van der Sar to be rested
Meanwhile, Ferguson will rest goal-keeper Edwin van der Sar for today’s trip.
The manager wants to keep the 40-year-old, who is retiring at the end of this season, fresh for the May 28 Champions League final against Barcelona and hopes his team can pick up the point they need for the domestic title without him.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 14th, 2011.
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