• Premier League

Vidic 'greatness' helps us all - Phil Jones

Javier Hernandez's goal defeated Everton on Saturday © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Fergie admits Ferdinand is no longer first choice
  

Manchester United youngster Phil Jones believes the champions are a much tougher proposition with captain Nemanja Vidic back leading the defence.

Vidic gave a commanding performance in his first Premier League appearance since the opening day of the season as United claimed a hard-fought win at Everton on Saturday.

United needed to lift morale after last week's 6-1 drubbing by Manchester City and Vidic was particularly strong in the air as Everton, despite applying considerable pressure, were shut out 1-0 at Goodison Park.

Jones, 19, who himself shone at right-back, told MUTV: "He is our captain and you don't want to go without your captain. The determination and greatness shows and it rubs off on everyone else.

"We fought defensively as a unit. We have 11 players when we defend, not just four. I thought 11 players defended terrifically well when Everton were throwing everything, the kitchen sink, at us at the end. I thought we stood strong as a unit and held together.''

United's form has dipped over the past month and statistics highlighting the high number of chances they are allowing opponents were a concern even before City brutally exposed them.

Vidic was left out of the derby after his comeback from a two-month lay-off with a calf injury went wrong with a red card on Champions League duty against Otelul Galati.

He returned at Aldershot in the Carling Cup last week and then started against Everton alongside Jonny Evans, who was given a vote of confidence by manager Sir Alex Ferguson after his derby dismissal.

That left Rio Ferdinand to occupy a place on the bench but Ferguson felt he had made the right call in restoring Vidic.

The Scot, who next week celebrates 25 years in charge at Old Trafford, said: "It was a fantastic performance by Vidic. Every ball that came into our box, he got it clear. That's his speciality. He's a fantastic header of the ball and that was key for us.''

United held on for their first win at Everton in four seasons after Javier Hernandez turned in a Patrice Evra cross at close range in the 19th minute.

Everton had several chances to equalise but lacked a cutting edge with David De Gea barely extended by most of their shots.

He did produce one notable save to deny Jack Rodwell, although it broke through the Spaniard's arms and hit his face, while Leighton Baines struck the bar from a free-kick.

Jones added: "I think everyone showed what Manchester United are about. It was a bad day at the office last week but we have shown fantastic team spirit in training.

"We have picked our heads up quick and this was a massive win. We are delighted in the changing room. It was a tough battle out there, we expected that from Everton.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.