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Probably one of the worlds finest centre-backs. A solid tough-tackling player that is one of Uniteds’ most consistent performers and a fans favourite because of his no-nonsense style of play.
After playing two seasons at Spartak Moscow Vidić signed for Manchester United for a reported fee of around £7 million on 5 January 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 semi-final second leg against Blackburn on 25 January 2006.
During the 2006-2007 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 medal.
Vidić scored his first ever goal for Manchester United on 14 October 2006 against Wigan; United won 3–1. He scored his second goal in a 3–0 win over Portsmouth on 4 November, his first goal at Old Trafford. 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, Vidić signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at Manchester United until 2012. At the end of the 2007-2008, he earned his second consecutive PL medal. He was also a part of the squad which won the 2008 Champions League final versus Chelsea—his first European medal. During Uniteds 2007-2008 season, he made 32 league appearances and scored one goal.
During the 2008-09 season, Vidić 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 started every match in the British Football League-record run of 14 consecutive clean sheets in league matches. Towards the end of the 2008–09 season, Vidić was shortlisted for the PFA Player of The Year award, along with another four Manchester United players; he was considered the favourite to receive the accolade that was later awarded to his fellow team-mate Ryan Giggs. Vidić was later named as the Manchester United fans’ player of the year and players’ player of the year, taking over from Cristiano Ronaldo, who won both awards in 2007–08.
Praised for his aggressive no-nonsense defensive style, Vidić 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.
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