Manchester United boss David Moyes says he is certain skipper Nemanja Vidic will not allow his summer departure distract him ahead of the visit of Fulham tomorrow.
United are aiming to bounce back from their defeat to Stoke City last weekend by claiming all three points against the Cottagers but preparations have been disrupted by the news of Vidic’s departure.
Vidic confirmed thi week that he would be leaving Old Trafford in the summer but Moyes was quick to pay tribute to the Serbian captain.
“He has been a great leader for the club, and he has served the club brilliantly and I would expect that to continue right until the end of the season,” Moyes said in his Friday press conference.
“He will therefore continue to play and remain captain until the end of the season.”
United need to put that news to one side as they come up against former coach Rene Meulensteen’s bottom of the table Fulham.
Meulensteen departed the club soon after Moyes’ arrival even though the Scot wanted to make the now Fulham boss a key member of his backroom staff.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Rene again and I wanted him as part of my staff but he wanted to move on,” Moyes said.
Both Fulham and United are in desperate need of three points as they have only won twice in the league in 2014 and both find themselves off the pace of where they want to be.
United though will be confident of victory as they have not lost to the Cottagers at Old Trafford since 2003 winning 11 of the 12 meetings in the Premier League.
They will also be buoyed by the news that Phil Jones is set to return after the defender suffered concussion in the defeat at Stoke but Moyes confirmed Jonny Evans and Marouane Fellaini won’t be ready for Sunday’s game.
“Marouane picked up a groin injury in training which will probably rule him out for another week possibly.
“Jonny Evans isn’t available but there is a good chance Jones could make it as he has trained today and we’ll see how he is.”
A run of games for Jones at centre back could be vital for the England international as many have tipped him to become the replacement for Vidic next season.
So being able to play at the heart of the United defence with him starting on Sunday will be a great way for the 21-year-old to learn and develop into the Reds new leader at the back.
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