Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the defensive partnership of Nemanja Vidic
and Wes Brown as the key to Manchester United's 5-0 hammering of
Wigan.
After a month of trying to patch up his threadbare defence,
Ferguson finally has two recognised central defenders available.
And the improvement has been clear to see as United followed
up Sunday's victory at Hull by turning in a five-star show against
Latics that allowed United to reach 2010 just two points adrift of
leaders Chelsea and scenting another Premier League title.
"The key to both tonight and Sunday was having the two
centre-halves back," said Ferguson, who celebrates his 68th
birthday on Thursday.
"Brown and Vidic were magnificent, as they were at Hull. If
we get the rest of them back we have a magnificent chance because
we are in great form."
As Jonny Evans is in contention to face Leeds in the FA Cup
on Sunday and Rio Ferdinand is not far behind the Northern Ireland
star as he plots a comeback from a back injury, Ferguson could soon
have his usual squad to choose from.
