Boss heralds United defence

Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his satisfaction at knowing United are well-stocked when it comes to having quality players at the heart of the defence.

The continually impressive centre-back partnership between Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans has helped the Reds cope admirably without long-term injury victim and skipper Nemanja Vidic.

Add the ever-improving Chris Smalling and Phil Jones to the mix and Sir Alex believes things look extremely healthy in terms of top-drawer centre-back options.

"Hopefully - and I think I am right - we are in a really strong position with centre-backs," the boss told reporters on Friday.

"Ferdinand and Evans have been absolutely superb. Their understanding has grown. Jonny has hit fantastic form and Rio's experience has been important. Jones and Smalling were bought for the long-term and have proved they can play in other positions as well.

"When Vidic comes back at the start of next season - he won't travel with us on the pre-season tour but will certainly be ready for the start of the season, we will have a strong defensive core. I can pick and choose whatever two I fancy or whatever two are in consistent form."

The re-emergence of Evans, in Vidic's absence, has been what's really caught the eye in recent months. Indeed, the Northern Ireland international has recaptured the brilliant form he produced during the 2008/09 campaign in which United set a new record for clean sheets in the league.