United Confirm Dutch Defender's Signing

After having signed one Dutchman, in the shape of striker Robin van Persie from Arsenal, Manchester United have now confirmed the arrival of a second - left back Alexander Büttner, from Eredivise side Vitesse Arnhem. The 23 year old signed for the Old Trafford outfit for an undisclosed amount and has agreed a five year contract.

"Dutch defender Alexander Büttner has today completed his medical, agreed personal terms and signed for Manchester United on a five-year contract until 2017," the official statement read.

It is believed Sir Alex Ferguson moved to sign the player both as specific cover for Frenchman Patrice Evra and to provide general defensive cover following the club's 0-1 opening day defeat to Everton and the number of defenders presently out injured.

"Alexander is one of the best young left backs in Europe and we're delighted to sign him. He's someone we've been watching for a while now. He gives us some really exciting options in that position," Ferguson told the Red Devils' official Web site.

Büttner, who scored 10 goals in 119 appearances during the four years he spent at Vitesse, expressed his happiness at joining the Red Devils.

"Joining Manchester United is one of the best days of my life. It's a team I have admired for many years now and I can't wait to join my team-mates and play my part in helping the club be successful," he said.

Lack of Defenders is no Excuse

Meanwhile, Red Devils captain Nemanja Vidic hopes his team's defensive injuries crisis will abate in time for United's next league match - against Fulham on 25 August. The Serbian international formed a makeshift central defensive partnership with midfielder Michael Carrick for United's 0-1 loss to Everton. Carrick had to step in because the team had four of five centre backs (Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand) out injured.

However, the 30 year old said injuries could not offered as excuse for defeat in the very first game of the season.

"When you come to places like Everton, who will play long balls into the box, you need big, strong defenders, but we won't use injuries as an excuse. We knew it would be a hard game. They did what they're best at - playing long balls and focusing on set-pieces," the Guardian quoted Vidic as saying.