Vidic's Bullishness Needed to Combat Torres Nerves

Last March, a dejected Nemanja Vidic held a despairing hand to his forehead. The withered look painted on his face revealed much about his current state of mind.

The Serbian had just been out-muscled and overawed by a player filled with pure talent, a clinical goalscorer of great proportions, capable of embarrassing the greatest defenders, and rightly described as one of the best strikers in the world.

The man who had left Vidic to rue his grave error was Liverpool frontman Fernando Torres.

In this instance, the fleet-footed Spaniard had raced onto a long pass that Vidic had allowed to sail over his head before utilising his imposing strength, dispatching the ball coolly into the United net in a matter of seconds.

Torres' goal subsequently led Liverpool to a triumphant 4-1 victory at Old Trafford.

Vidic did not become a terrible defender in that one moment. The United centre half has often proven his pedigree against some of the greatest strikers in the world, leaving the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Didier Drogba, Lionel Messi and Francesco Totti among others to rue their ineffectual displays when faced against the tough-tackling defender.

In fact, part of Vidic's importance to Sir Alex Ferguson lay in his ability to make opposing forwards uncomfortable, relentlessly challenging the ball, and putting his body on the line for his fellow teammates.

His style of play vastly contrasts to that of his defensive partner, Rio Ferdinand, whose own calm, collected leadership works efficiently alongside the Serbian international's rougher methods.

Unfortunately, in recent games against Liverpool, Torres has had Vidic's number, forcing the United man into making uncharacteristic errors.

These mistakes have clearly played a role in Vidic's propensity to engage in systematic fouling, resulting in three red cards in successive matches against Rafa Benitez's side.

Ferdinand, too, was embarrassed by Torres in late October, allowing Liverpool's no.9 to beat him for pace, collecting a Yossi Benayoun through ball before advancing on Edwin Van Der Sar and striking the ball into the roof of the net. Liverpool went on to win 2-0.

Much of this can be attributed to the skills of Torres, who despite long-term injury this term, has already scored 15 times in 19 games.

Had he played in more matches, it is likely he would be in competition with Rooney and Drogba for the league's top goalscorer.

The lack of confidence displayed by Ferdinand and Vidic in particular in dealing with the threat of Torres must therefore be cause for concern for Fergie as United attempt to close out the rest of the season, knowing that Arsenal's favourable schedule and Chelsea's impressive depth will represent formidable challenges.

If United are to record a resounding victory over their hated rivals, it is imperative that Vidic overcome his Torres jitters and perform in similar fashion to last week's Champions League victory over AC Milan at Old Trafford where he impressively diminished the impact the talented duo of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Marco Borriello.

Vidic must utilise his strengths, unsettling the confident Spaniard, forcing him away from goal, as he did in United's 3-0 win over Liverpool in 2008.

Such a tactic frustrated Torres, whose focus was diverted on arguing with the referee about forceful tackles rather than inspiring Liverpool to a famous victory.

Too often, Vidic seems to get caught out by Torres' quick feet and powerful burst which he uses effectively to evade defenders. Such maneuvers catch Vidic off guard, giving Torres that extra yard of space to exploit.

Vidic's ability to deal with Torres does not rest on him alone. He must hope that his fellow teammates are able to cut off supply to the Reds' enigmatic goal-poacher.

A combination of Fletcher, Scholes and Carrick should focus on sterilising Liverpool's creative engine of Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt.

Whether Vidic and United are able to keep Torres under wraps will ultimately be the deciding factor over who claims the all-important victory.

Much will likely be made over the battle between Torres and Rooney for striking supremacy, but Fergie will be relying on Vidic to emerge victorious in his own personal battle with Torres and finally put his nerves to rest.