15 - Nemanja Vidic Profile

After playing two seasons at Spartak Moscow, Vidic signed for Manchester United for a reported fee of around £7 million on January 5, 2006; two and a half years after Manchester United's reported interest in him. He was assigned the number 15 shirt and made his debut for Manchester United as a substitute for Ruud van Nistelrooy in the dying minutes of Manchester United's 2–1 win in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Blackburn Rovers on January 25, 2006.

During the 2006–07 Premier league season, Vidic formed a partnership with Rio Ferdinand in the centre of defence, which has since become one of the most prominent partnerships in English football, and has become an established first team player. In his first full season playing for Manchester United he made 25 appearances in the Premier league and ended the season winning his first league medal.

Vidic scored his first ever goal for Manchester United on 14 October 2006 against Wigan Athletic—United went on to win 3–1. He scored his second goal in a 3–0 win over Portsmouth on November 4, his first goal at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium. He scored his first Champions League goal for Manchester United against Benfica on 6 December in the group stages; a match which Manchester United won 3–1.

On 8 November 2007, Vidic signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at Manchester United until 2012. At the end of the 2007–08 season, he earned his second consecutive Premier League medal. He was also a part of the squad which won the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final versus Chelsea—his first European medal. During United's 2007–08 season, he made 32 league appearances and scored one goal.

During the 2008-09 season, Vidic has been a pivotal part of the United defence in the absence of a number of other defenders during various parts of the season. He has started every match in British Football League record run of 14 consecutive clean sheets in Premier League matches. Towards the end of the 2008–09 season, Vidic was shortlisted for the PFA Player of the Year award, along with four of his Manchester United team-mates; he is considered the favourite to receive the award.

Praised for his aggressive no-nonsense defensive style, he is now recognised as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and in Europe. Nicknamed Vida by his Manchester United teammates, he is highly regarded for his physical presence, heading ability in both defence and at attacking set pieces, as well as his bravery. Because of this, he enjoys a cult status among United faithful and is often compared to former Manchester United defender Steve Bruce for having similar characteristics.

Related Nemanja Vidic News

  • Vidic: I'm United for life

    Nemanja Vidic says he hopes to spend the rest of his career at Manchester United and insists talk of him quitting the club was "never correct".

  • Vidic turns attention to Toon

    Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has called for an immediate response after their treble hopes were dashed.

  • Vidic laughs off Torres talk

    Nemanja Vidic has vowed to change the perception that he struggles against Fernando Torres when Manchester United go to Chelsea on Tuesday.

  • Vidic - Rio recovery is vital

    Nemanja Vidic hopes Rio Ferdinand will shake off a hamstring complaint in time to face Arsenal.

  • Vidic demands improvement

    Nemanja Vidic has called on Manchester United to tighten up in defence if they are to mount a sustained Premier League title challenge.

  • Easy decision for Vidic

    Nemanja Vidic has insisted he is happy at Manchester United and never thought about leaving the club.

  • Vidic agrees new United contract

    Manchester United chief executive David Gill has revealed the club have agreed terms with defender Nemanja Vidic on a new "long-term" contract.

  • United Set for Interesting £32m Swap Offer

    Juventus badly wants to sign Manchester United centre back Nemanja Vidic and are willing to offer veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon and £15m in cash to sign the Serbian international

  • Coyle accuses Vidic

    Owen Coyle felt Nemanja Vidic was guilty of a 'terrible challenge' on Johan Elmander during Bolton Wanderers' 4-0 defeat by Manchester United.

  • Vidic claims Ref got it right

    Nemanja Vidic claimed ref Phil Dowd was right not to send him off as Manchester United beat Aston Villa 2-1 in Sunday's Carling Cup final at Wembley.