Preview: Fulham v Manchester United

Venue: Craven Cottage
Date: Saturday, 19 December 2009
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

Manchester United are still struggling in defence ahead of their trip to Fulham today.

Nemanja Vidic limped off during the midweek win against Wolves, but Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful the Serb can recover in time for the trip to Craven Cottage.

Long term absentees include Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, John O’Shea and Wes Brown, so it would be a huge boost for Sir Alex if he could play a natural defender at the back alongside Michael Carrick, who is expected to continue in the heart of the back four.

Vidic admits he struggled at first with the busy festive period that the Premier League provides, but has now grown accustomed to it.

“Other leagues tend to stop,” said the Serbia defender.

“It not only helps physically but mentally as well.

“Obviously, in the first full year I was at the club I found it hard to adapt because the season was so long.

“But now, it is not a problem. I have been here for three full seasons now so I know what to expect. I am used to it and I can cope.”

Simon Davies, Andrew Johnson, Diomansy Kamara and Seol Hi-Kyeon are missing for the hosts.

Manchester United (from): Kuszczak, Foster, Fletcher, Vidic, De Laet, Evra, Park, Valencia, Obertan, Anderson, Carrick, Scholes, Gibson, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov, Owen, Welbeck, Tosic.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Paintsil, Hughes, Smalling, Kelly, Etuhu, Murphy, Gera, Greening, Dempsey, Riise, Zamora, Duff, Hangeland, Stockdale, Briggs, Saunders, Uwezu.

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