Now the Vidic deal to Inter is confirmed I've looked for some statistical analysis into United's defense, numbers to highlight who's been the most consistent, and if infact we'll miss Vidic more than realised.
Rio Ferdinand
Ferdinand has only played in nine Premier League games this season although he does have a 55% success rate in both tackles and headed duels however in the last Champions League match, the disappointing loss out in Greece he did not win a single tackle and never even attempted a headed duel. He is definitely on the wane in terms of quality and fitness.
Nemanja Vidic
Vidic has been far from ever present either this season playing twice as many games as Ferdinand, 18 out of a possible 27 in the league. In those matches he has a similar tackle success to Ferdinand and has won 65% of headed duels.
Phil Jones
Phil Jones has been played in a number of positions by Moyes and his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson but clearly favours and is best in the heart of a defence. He has won 53% of the 58 tackles challenged for and 52% of the 56 headers while making over two interceptions per match. His pass completion is also excellent with 88% of passes completed, equal fourth best among the squad.
Chris Smalling
Smalling is another deployed in various roles by Moyes and Ferguson but certainly has potential. He has missed seven games in the Premier League this season, most of those at the start of the campaign due to injury. He has won a higher percentage of tackles and headers than Vidic, Ferdiand and Jones with 60% and 63% respectively.
Johnny Evans
Most impressive though is Evans who has played 16 times and won a massive 73% of tackles and headed duels and has made 21 interceptions with an 88% pass completion.
Stats courtesy of Squawka
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