Liverpool vs. Manchester United: Red Devils' Defense Needs Nemaja Vidic Boost

Manchester United head to Anfield to take on Liverpool in the marquee Premiership match of the weekend. If reports can be believed, they will be bringing a renewed defense with them. 

Manchester United's fast start is even more remarkable when you consider that their classic back line of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic has been absent. 

Both players have been dealing with nagging injuries, but there is hope going into the rivalry match on Saturday. 

The Daily Mail reports the central defender is poised to make his return to the EPL pitch in a match that will mandate a renewed effort on defense. 

Liverpool has a spry enough attack to breach a back line that has grown soft in the last couple weeks. The youthful trio of  Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans have served their purpose, but the time is ripe to get some experience in the back. 

The return of Vidic couldn't have come at a better time. According to ESPN, the Red Devils have allowed 97 shots on goal this season, most in the EPL. 

Newcomer David de Gea has been admirable in his efforts, but that pace has to be slowed if they are to maintain their tie with Manchester City atop the table. 

The report also brings news that midfielder Tom Cleverley will return in what should be an epic match. United hardly has issues up front, but Cleverley was such a marvelous surprise in the early goings that a return is sure to spark the side. 

Liverpool will get what looks like the healthiest United side to date. With Cleverley in the middle and Vidic in the back, the Devils hardly have an issue to highlight on the pitch. 

There is no love lost between two sides that have shared decades of hatred for one another. This is the best kind of rivalry match, the kind that has the best possible lineups playing. 

If Vidic can fit in seamlessly with the youth in the back, the Reds will have a great deal of trouble breaching the box for open looks. 

It seems almost unfair that a United side that hardly needs a lift is about to get one.