Vidic: We're facing our toughest start ever
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Vidic: We're facing our toughest start ever and can't drop points
Holding onto the trophy: Nemanja Vidic warns United face a tough test
Nemanja Vidic insists Manchester United must hit the ground running as the champions brace themselves for the toughest start to a season in years.
The first 10 matches of their campaign could shape their destiny of the title and club skipper Vidic is adamant his side cannot afford to drop points like they did early on last year.
Matches against title rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City as well as Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton mark a hectic first two months and Vidic said: 'We have no time to ease our way into the season - we have to hit the ground running and start quickly.
'We have to be ready for the big games because we have more in the first 10 matches than I've ever known. We can't afford to start slowly like last year when Chelsea left us behind for a while.'
Vidic, who arrived at this bustling seaport on Friday with the team after an emphatic 4-1 victory against New England Revolution at the start of their USA tour, added: 'It will be tough but we have come to the right spot because America is a good place to prepare for what is to come.
'It will be a difficult year for us and maybe the toughest Premier League there's ever been because the competition is increasing.
'Other teams have spent a lot already and have bought players to give us a challenge.'
But Vidic remains optimistic, adding: 'We have a good team and hopefully we can win the title again.'
Sunday, 7 August 2011FA Community ShieldMan City v Man Utd, 14:30
Sunday, 14 August 2011Barclays Premier LeagueWest Brom v Man Utd, 16:00
Monday, 22 August 2011Barclays Premier LeagueMan Utd v Tottenham, 20:00
Sunday, 28 August 2011Barclays Premier LeagueMan Utd v Arsenal, 16:00
Saturday, 10 September 2011Barclays Premier LeagueBolton v Man Utd, 17:30
Sunday, 18 September 2011Barclays Premier LeagueMan Utd v Chelsea, 16:00
Saturday, 24 September 2011Barclays Premier LeagueStoke v Man Utd, 17:30
Saturday, 1 October 2011Barclays Premier LeagueMan Utd v Norwich, 15:00
Saturday, 15 October 2011Barclays Premier LeagueLiverpool v Man Utd, 12:45
Sunday, 23 October 2011Barclays Premier LeagueMan Utd v Man City, 13:30
Saturday, 29 October 2011Barclays Premier LeagueEverton v Man Utd, 12:00
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fixture wise, I think a challenge, but losing experience in brown, oshea, edwin van de sar, scholes, and gary neville is key, esp home grown and die hards like gary/scholes..