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Van der Sar looks to future
Stuart Mathieson
Manchester
Evening News
Tuesday 25 November 2008
Edwin Van der Sar is looking to
2009 for United to kick on and attempt to retain their
Premier League title.
United remain eight points behind leaders Chelsea and
Liverpool after stalemate Saturday saw all three on
0-0 scorelines. The Reds' rivals home draws were far
worse results than United's point at Villa Park but
the Dutch keeper believes the New Year could see United's
challenge intensify.
The winter will also see a mini break from Europe and
internationals which could help the Reds cause.
Van der Sar, who has been rested for the trip to Villarreal,
said: "We have to make sure we stay at this distance
from the leaders or a get bit closer and then hopefully
next year we can push on. The manager has been there
before and he says that is what we have to do. We have
been harshly dealt with by the away fixtures so far.
"We have played away most times after a Champions
League midweek match or an international and that is
hard. But our away form is not an issue.
"All the papers were writing about our record
at Villa Park, but it is still a hard place to go to.
It doesn't matter how many times you have won in a row
it is still hard.
"But it was a pity we couldn't grab the three
points having seen Chelsea and Liverpool's results beforehand."
Nemanja Vidic was at the centre of the Villa Park game's
talking point.
Villa were furious that the Serb got away without conceding
a second-half penalty in a tussle with Gabriel Agbonlahor.
But the 27-year-old claims referee Chris Foy was right
to ignore the pleas.
"Maybe the referee could have given the foul 20
yards from goal but once we got into the box I touched
the ball. It wasn't a penalty I am sure about that,"
said Nemanja.
But Vidic warns that the Big Four will have to tread
carefully even on home soil this campaign.
"We tried hard but they defended well. They had
ten men defending and that is hard," added Vidic.
"But it is not too bad because Chelsea, Liverpool
and Arsenal didn't win. We had a good opportunity to
get closer but we didn't do it.
"Chelsea only drew at home and so did Liverpool.
I think this season the top teams are going to lose
points at home to lower teams."
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