Two big holes at OldTrafford as Vidic to quit

DAVID MOYES is content to let his current crop of central defenders have first shot at filling the gap created by Nemanja Vidic’s decision to quit Manchester United at the end of the season.

With Rio Ferdinand virtually certain to be leaving Old Trafford as well, it means Moyes must plan for life without the two men who have been the cornerstone of the Red Devils’ defence for almost a decade.

Numerous big names are bound to be linked with a summer transfer. but in Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, Moyes already has players with a combined total of 384 United appearances to call upon.

Moyes said yesterday: “I even think it is harder to play centre-half than goalkeeper now. The movement and quality of the centre-forwards means it is very difficult to play a young centre-half.

“We are trying to nurture one along and bring them into the team.

“Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans are already here. We will give them an opportunity to show what they are capable of.”

Vidic’s statement also means Moyes needs a new captain.

The obvious choice — if he signs the contract extension being discussed with him — would be Wayne Rooney and he has big boots to fill, following in the footsteps of Bryan Robson, Roy Keane and Sir Bobby Charlton.

PA. Nemanja Vidic.