Nemanja Vidic
Nemanja Vidić
After playing two seasons at Spartak Moscow, Vidić 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, Vidić 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 amedal.
Vidić scored his first ever goal for Manchester United on October 14,
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 S.L. Benfica on
December 6 in the group stages; a match which Manchester United won 3-1.
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 faithfuland is often compared to
former Manchester United defender Steve Bruce for having similar
characteristics.
Vidic won Serbia's Overseas Player of the Year award for 2005, playing
for Spartak Moscow, a poll of the captains of the 16 clubs in the
Serbian Superliga that is organized annually (the first award was given
in 1970) by daily newspaper Večernje novosti. He was once again the
recipient of the award for 2007, this time playing for Manchester
United. He was named in the 2006-07 and 2007-08 PFA Premiership Team of
the Season. In addition, he was shortlisted for the 2006-07 and 2007-08
UEFA European Club Defender of the Year and was also shortlisted for
the 2006-07 and 2007-08 FIFPro World XI player award and also for the
2008 Ballon d'Or award.
On November 8, 2007, Vidic signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at Manchester United until 2012.
In his second full season at Manchester United he earned his second
Premier League medal in succession (making 32 appearances in the
process) and won his first UEFA Champions League medal.
Source: Nemanja Vidic (wikipedia)
