The importance of Nemanja Vidic to Manchester United
Defender Nemanja Vidic joined Manchester United from Spartak Moscow in January 2006 for £7million. Since then he has become the Red Devils’ captain and a huge part of their team whilst also winning the Barclays Player of the Season on two occasions. However following the arrivals of youngsters Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, his placed in the United team has been put under pressure.
The 29-year-old is a well-respected player following his honours and individual honours achieved whilst being at United. Vidic has been included in the PFA Team of the season 4 times in the past 5 seasons, whilst winning the Premier League 4 times since he’s arrival 5 years ago. He has won every trophy with United apart from the FA Cup, including the Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup.
Vidic has made nearly 250 appearances for United and is being used as a father figure to the youngsters coming through the ranks and pressing him for his spot in Alex Ferguson’s starting 11. The Serbian captain has formed a solid partnership in the centre of defence with United’s former skipper Rio Ferdinand, but both players have suffered recurring injuries and have found their games together very rare.
This has resulted in Phil Jones become almost a regular at Old Trafford despite only joining the club from Blackburn in July. United also have young defender Johnny Evans on their ranks who is also often in contention to play. Vidic has only made 1 appearance for United in the Premier League so far this season, but they have still managed to remain unbeaten and have conceded as little as 5 goals so far, suggesting that Vidic may not be as important to the team as he once was. It is no doubt that United’s defence are more of a force when Vidic is in the side, with the giant’s leadership skills and tank-like strength.
It is more than likely that Vidic will return to the squad once fit, but with the upcoming talent, his and Ferdinand’s days could be numbered. Throughout his time at Old Trafford, Vidic has been linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid, who may be alerted to the defender once again if he fails to hold down his spot in Fergie’s side.
