FPL Vidic

In an alternate universe, the @goodbadftblpod would have gone something like this: Nicky Butt: "Right, we’ve got to start with the Derby. I’ll hold my hands up.. last week I was worried about the physical mismatch. I made a joke about Haaland picking him up like a toddler, and honestly, looking back, it was lazy. It was pub talk. What we actually saw on Saturday was a masterclass in center-half play." Paul Scholes: "Yeah, I’m with you, Nick. I said Haaland would throw him in the net, but Licha didn’t even let him get near the goal. I should know better than anyone.. I wasn't the biggest lad on the pitch either. It’s not about how tall you are; it’s about where your head is. His reading of the game is as good as any defender I played with." Nicky Butt: "Exactly. Look at the stats from the weekend. Haaland was substituted in the 80th minute because he was a non-factor. Licha didn’t try to out-muscle him in the air every time; he stepped in front, he nipped at his ankles, and he used that low center of gravity to win the ground duels. He finished with 100% aerial duels won against Leeds the week before, and he carried that same dominance into the City game." Paul Scholes: "And it’s the bravery, isn't it? He’s just come back from that knee injury, and he’s playing like he never left. He’s the heart of that dressing room. You saw him after the game, talking about the 'blood and DNA' of United. That’s what we want. We shouldn't be mocking the height of a guy who has won a World Cup and two Copa Américas by being exactly who he is." Nicky Butt: "He invited us to his house for a chat, and you know what? We should go. Not to argue, but to tell him face-to-face that he’s the standard. He’s the ‘Butcher’ for a reason. He’s the first name on Carrick’s team sheet, and he should have been the first name on ours too. Sorry, Licha. You’re a warrior." Paul Scholes: "Spot on. I’ll take that tea now, no sugar, because I've already had enough humble pie this morning."