Vidic: I snubbed Liverpool for United

BillShankly · Post by **BillShankly** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 7:33 pm

Nemanja Vidic turned down a move to Liverpool so he could sign for Manchester United - and does not regret the decision one bit.

Sir Alex Ferguson was so impressed by Serbian centre-back Vidic's performances for club and country over the past two seasons, he was persuaded to part with Â£7million for the 24-year-old.

So keen were United to confirm his arrival at Old Trafford, they took the unprecedented step of announcing his signing on Christmas Day, much to the irritation of Fiorentina, who thought Vidic had agreed to join them, but also Liverpool, who enquired about the sturdy central defender too.

Once he knew United were sniffing round, Vidic was only interested in one destination and said: "I did receive some offers from other clubs, including Liverpool.

"United's offer came quite late on but as soon as I heard they were interested, I wanted to sign for them immediately and when I did, I had no doubts I had made the right decision.

"They have a huge number of great supporters and the club represents something absolutely fantastic for me.

"I really hope my time in Manchester will be one of the best periods of my life."

Not that Vidic's transition to the Premiership has been entirely smooth.

After making his Red Star Belgrade debut as a teenager, then skippering the club for three years before spending a season in the Russian league with Spartak Moscow, Vidic has already established himself as a top-notch performer on the club scene.

But it is his performances for Serbia, as part of the 'Famous Four' defence which did not concede a goal in qualifying for this summer's World Cup, which caught Ferguson's eye.

In offering the player a four-and-a-half-year contract, Ferguson felt Vidic could provide the steel his defence has been missing.

The early signs were not promising though. Lacking games since the Russian season ended in November, Vidic effectively ploughed through a second tough pre-season schedule before being handed his debut as a substitute in the Carling Cup semi-final against Blackburn.

He made his first start four days later in the FA Cup win over Wolves but it was in the Premiership re-match against Blackburn soon afterwards that Vidic found himself exposed.

Unable to cope with the pace of David Bentley and power of Shefki Kuqi, Vidic was part of a United side that collapsed to a 4-3 defeat which could yet prove so crucial to their hopes of wrestling the title from Chelsea's grasp.

Vidic was promptly dropped, although not for long, and Wes Brown's current groin injury means he has now started four games on the trot, all of which have ended in wins, with his personal performances improving each time.

On Sunday, though, he faces probably his sternest test so far as rampant Arsenal arrive at Old Trafford fresh from reaching the Champions League semi-finals.

The battle with Thierry Henry in front of what is expected to be the highest crowd ever for a United game at Old Trafford, is one Vidic should relish. At least the Frenchman's silky skills may ensure that for once, he does not end up getting flattened at some stage in the proceedings.

"The Russian League is a tough competition and so is the Serbian League but physically, the Premiership is even harder," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"Every game is a big battle here in England. I have discovered it is like a boxing match for me. I just have to make sure I am not the one on the floor in future."

Ohhh What A Finish · Post by **Ohhh What A Finish** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 8:03 pm

re ton vidic

Judge Judy · Post by **Judge Judy** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:20 pm

'tis a real shame he's woeful ;(

Le King · Post by **Le King** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 7:09 pm

yeh true i mean id rather hyppia then vidic any day.... NOT!

BillShankly · Post by **BillShankly** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 7:16 pm

if vidic turns out to be half the player hyppia is then you will be lucky

Judge Judy · Post by **Judge Judy** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 8:02 pm

agger > vidic

general · Post by **general** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 1:32 am

All you guys have no soccer knowledge whatsover. I think Alex Ferguson must have seen something that would make him chase him.

You will see inthe world cup what quality crunch men are all about.

xabi wrote:agger > vidic

BAGGIO 15 · Post by **BAGGIO 15** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:35 am

Great tackle that lead to the 1st goal against Arsenal, check the footage out in the Man U Arsenal thread.

Nai Ego Eimai · Post by **Nai Ego Eimai** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 9:27 am

We will see how good Vidic really is when he faces Samaras in the local Manchester derby.
Personally I think Samaras will push Vidic around like a Cat plays with a cotton ball.

Pinturicchio · Post by **Pinturicchio** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 11:39 am

ZLATAN 9 wrote:Great tackle that lead to the 1st goal against Arsenal, check the footage out in the Man U Arsenal thread.

that was seriously a great challenge for the ball very impressive

#24 · Post by **#24** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:48 pm

Jb17 · Post by **Jb17** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:58 pm

hahaha vidic is terrible compared to Agger

BAGGIO 15 · Post by **BAGGIO 15** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 9:09 pm

Helped provide the first goal in a massive game, not to bad in my book.

general · Post by **general** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 9:53 pm

Vidic is not your typical serbian defender who holds onto the ball and complains.

He is genuinely skillful, strong, well positioned and very solid on the ground and air.

As he was out of soccer in Russia due to their midseason break he wil need games to get back. But the glimpses were ther to indicate he will be rock solid for Man U and Serbia in the World Cup

BAGGIO 15 · Post by **BAGGIO 15** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 10:00 pm

What do you mean he's not your typical Serbian defender, then say he has genuin skill. Technically the countries of the old Yugoslavia are arguable the most advanced skill wise along with Holland. That opionion's out of Europe when I talk to coach's, my cousin also went to train in Serbia for a month before going on trial at Chievo, Perugia and Empoli and found the serb training to be more technicaly advanced.

general · Post by **general** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 10:54 pm

ZLATAN 9 wrote:What do you mean he's not your typical Serbian defender, then say he has genuin skill. Technically the countries of the old Yugoslavia are arguable the most advanced skill wise along with Holland. That opionion's out of Europe when I talk to coach's, my cousin also went to train in Serbia for a month before going on trial at Chievo, Perugia and Empoli and found the serb training to be more technicaly advanced.

I know he has skill but I meant the arrogant dirty side who tend to lose total focus when the chips are down.

He has mental toughness. He will get sent off due to his hard challenges.

Le King · Post by **Le King** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 10:56 pm

u mean his well timed hard challenges!

wat a challenge against arsenal that set up our 1st goal!!

general · Post by **general** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 11:31 pm

MUFCBOY wrote:u mean his well timed hard challenges!

wat a challenge against arsenal that set up our 1st goal!!

Bold arse statement but Serbia will make final 4.

They will beat England in the Quarters.

Le King · Post by **Le King** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 11:43 pm

The new Jaap Stam!

Jb17 · Post by **Jb17** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 5:17 pm

ZLATAN 9 wrote:Helped provide the first goal in a massive game, not to bad in my book.

oh sorry i forgot.. i tackle makes him a good player!

BAGGIO 15 · Post by **BAGGIO 15** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 8:42 pm

He seems good to me and he has been the rock of Serbia's defence. We'll see how good he is at the WC, against the best of the best, thats the true test.

Redders · Post by **Redders** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 10:01 pm

Looks the goods. I think the thread would be the opposite if Liverpool got him. All the Mancs would be calling him crap and all the Scousers would be praising him. Which is typical because of the rilvary between the two clubs. But if you look at him from a neutrals view, he looks solid and will be suited to English football. Although I havent seen enough of him to make a hole hearted opinion. His tackle in the Arsenal game was perfect and resulted in a good goal.

BAGGIO 15 · Post by **BAGGIO 15** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 10:06 pm

Well said. I'm a neutral and I like what I've seen so far.

ronaldo07 · Post by **ronaldo07** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 10:55 am

everyone know that im not an one-eye supporter ..
yes i do think vidic is a brilliant and solid player .. whoever write him off got no idea in football !!

Le King · Post by **Le King** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 11:03 am

he is great! hard at the ball, tuff tackler... wins everything in the air! but he jst lacks pace... but still he has enuff defensive skill to make u\p for the pace!

7mil pound buy seems like peanuts!

does he not remind u of Steve Bruce?

Ill be gettin Vidic 15 on my top nxt season... unless Gattuso or Riquelme come

BAGGIO 15 · Post by **BAGGIO 15** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 11:40 am

A great pickup, a and will get better with a full preseason under the belt.

Unknown · Post by **Unknown** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 7:54 pm

yeh? i guess that that payed off

SpursOnTheRise · Post by **SpursOnTheRise** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:35 pm

Why is this in Local Sa Football?

The Joker · Post by **The Joker** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:40 pm

No Vidic No Silverware!

totsreds08 · Post by **totsreds08** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:19 pm

he has no idea

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Vidic: I snubbed Liverpool for United

Vidic: I snubbed Liverpool for United

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