Vidic: We are Ready

Nemanja Vidic believes Manchester United are ready to hit the ground running after lifting the Community Shield.

The Premier League champions kick off their title defence against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Sunday and the Serbia defender wants a better start than last season when they had to settle for an opening day draw with Reading.

"We are ready because in every pre-season game we have looked stronger, sharper and quicker," Vidic said. "I hope that will be enough for the first match against Newcastle, which is very important.

"We hope to do better than last season and get three points with our first game."

Despite winning the league and European Cup double last season, Vidic is far from satisfied and wants even more silverware next season. "We would like to do better," he said. "I hope we get to be the best. We want to play well and to win trophies. With a bit of luck we will win more than one."

Vidic's partnership with Rio Ferdinand in the centre of United's defence has been key to United's recent success and he has nothing but praise for the England defender. "He is a big personality," he said. "He also showed last year that he is a leader on the pitch."