Red View: Van der Sar interview, Rooney goals video, Munich remembered + more

VIDIC COULD FACE PORTSMOUTH Sir Alex says Nemanja Vidic is "in contention" to start against Portsmouth at Old Trafford on Saturday. The defender was left out of the Reds’ squad that travelled to Arsenal last weekend after suffering a setback in his recovery from a nerve problem in his leg. But according to the United boss, the 28-year-old has trained well over the last week. His return would be a huge boost for the Reds, not least because Rio Ferdinand is still suspended and Brazilian defender Rafael picked up a knock at the Emirates. "Rafa got a knock against Arsenal, but hopefully he'll train today," the boss said. "Vidic has trained for the last few days and hopefully that will bring him into contention for Saturday. Everyone else is okay." The Reds welcome bottom-of-the-table Portsmouth to Old Trafford for a game Sir Alex described as “one we have to win." "Our result at the Emirates last week was important and hopefully it’ll send us in the right direction towards the title," he said. "Winning against Portsmouth is very important and it’s the kind of game we’ve navigated quite well over the years. "After the win at Arsenal it's important we kick on from here. As every game comes along in the run-in they become more important. It doesn’t matter who it’s against, we have to take three points from every one now." More: Edwin praises Kuszczak |  Ando's driven to succeed | Beckham exclusive EDWIN SPREADS THE PRAISE Edwin van der Sar has praised the unsung heroes of the 2009/10 campaign who have helped put United in a strong position as the title race begins to gather pace. The Dutchman was limited to just seven starts before Christmas, while injury also meant Rio Ferdinand started just eight games before the turn of the year. The likes of Jonny Evans and Wes Brown have covered admirably in defence, while Tomasz Kuszczak's performances in goal have not gone unnoticed by van der Sar. "I’d like to go on record as saying what a good job Tomasz did over the last couple of months," says van der Sar, in an exclusive interview with United Review. "With so many injuries in defence, it wasn’t easy for him to come in and perform so well under a lot of pressure." Chelsea's stumble against Hull City on Tuesday has given the Reds an opportunity to reclaim top spot against Portsmouth on Saturday, before the Blues entertain Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. That the Reds are in a position to strike is in no small part down to the displays of Kuszczak and co. "I thought he really played well in a difficult situation," adds Edwin. "I want to say well done to him." Competition: Win 2010/11 league season ticket with United Review. REDS TO MARK MUNICH ANNIVERSARY Old Trafford will fall silent before kick-off on Saturday out of respect for the 23 people who tragically lost their lives in the Munich air disaster 52 years ago. Every year on 6 February, Manchester United remembers those who died in 1958, including eight players - Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor and Liam Whelan - and three members of staff - club secretary Walter Crickmer, trainer Tom Curry and coach Bert Whalley. Saturday is only the eighth time the Reds have played on the anniversary of the crash. As well as the players wearing black armbands and the stadium’s flags flying at half-mast, there will be a minute’s silence before kick-off. Every member of the United party on the ill-fated flight will be represented at the game by relatives. “Every anniversary is important – that doesn’t change, and never will,” says club secretary Ken Ramsden. “If you look at the defining moments in United's history then I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a more defining moment than the Munich air crash. "We will continue to embrace the significance of the tragedy.” More: Visit the Munich Remembered pages of ManUtd.com. This email has been sent to you by ManUtd.com, Manchester United FC, Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0RA, England. This email is designed to be viewed in HTML email clients - if you cannot see the images above, please open an HTML-compatible email account and then register the new address with ManUtd.com. If this email has been forwarded to you by a friend, please register with ManUtd.com to receive Red View directly from next week. The articles and images in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United FC. If you do not wish to receive this email please send a blank email from your subscription address to unsubscribe@manutd.co.uk. We are committed to respecting your privacy. Please see our Privacy Policy . Please DO NOT reply to this email.