Nemanja Vidic's return to United defence gives Sir Alex Ferguson reason to relax as West Brom fall to defeat It was an unbelievable game against Newcastle but today was more about don't concede a goal, a solid performance and we finished with a clean sheet and the three points. That was the most important thing. It is good for the confidence to keep a clean sheet. But I am more worried about winning games than conceding goals. I'm a defender, I don't like to concede goals, but it is not only about the defence it is about the whole team. Maybe this is going to sound a bit bizarre what I am going to say - I feel we were more awake defensively last season and we conceded less goals. But this season every time our opponents shoot they always seem to score. I know sometimes it is about our concentration and we can do much better but I'm not worried about that, I'm just worried about winning games. The reasons for United's defensive shortcomings have been debated long and hard, with even Ferguson himself admitting he has been at a loss to explain them fully. Suffice it to say, much store has been placed upon the return of Vidic, who has lost much of the last two seasons to injuries. A commanding seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League has been amassed despite, not because of, Ferguson's defence and the temptation is to assume that the Serbian's return could leave United with a clear path towards a 20th title in May. The truth is rarely so straightforward, of course, and, at the age of 31, Vidic hardly sounds full of optimism that he can enjoy an injury-free second half of the season. "The doctor is managing the games I am playing at the moment," said Vidic. Over the first two or three months I have to really look at that because sometimes I might have a reaction. This is a process I have to go through. There is also the small matter of the Premier League's unpredictable nature with United facing a reminder of the uncertainties of this division on Tuesday when they visit Wigan at the DW Stadium, the scene of a surprising defeat last season which marked a significant turning point in their eventually unsuccessful title bid. "I remember last year we lost 1-0 at Wigan and we showed nothing," said Evra. It was a really bad performance for Manchester United. This year there will be no excuse. We will just go there, play like Man United and make sure we get the three points because it's really important we do that. I think we have to use the bad experiences we had last year. If Evra needs to use such memories to inspire him, Ferguson, certainly, is demonstrating no reduction in his desire and resolve to win as he marks his 71st birthday on Monday. West Brom's Steve Clarke, enjoying a hugely impressive first season in management, was just the latest to marvel at his opponent's longevity and enthusiasm. I have met a few grumpy 70-year-olds. He is a typical grumpy Scot," joked Clarke. He likes to go chasing. He hasn't lost his hunger or his desire. I worked with Sir Bobby Robson at a similar age and he was maybe not quite as aggressive but he was the same. he had that determination and will to win. It is great to see. Clarke could leave Old Trafford with his head held high after his team's performance. United needed a deflection off Gareth McAuley, from an Ashley Young cross, and an injury-time effort from Robin van Persie to see off the visitors for whom 19-year-old midfielder George Thorne ensured a Christmas to remember when, having been recalled from loan at Peterborough, he followed a Boxing Day Championship outing at Wolves with his second Premier League start. "I had a phone call about 48 hours before the game, as I was preparing to face Bristol City, and they said they needed me in the squad at Old Trafford," said Thorne. It is a dream of every kid when they're growing up but you can't really get caught up in it. We're here to do a job and unfortunately that didn't happen. Van Persie mystery Robin van Persie made his T-shirt tribute to a friend who had passed away in Rotterdam less than 24 hours before Manchester United's victory over West Bromwich Albion. Van Persie lifted his United jersey to reveal the words "RIP Tchuna We Will Never Forget You" after scoring the second goal. The exact identity of the £24 million forward's deceased childhood friend has prompted much speculation, but the relationship and cause of death were still unknown on Sunday night.