On this day 12 years ago, Nemanja Vidic became a Red!

What a rock of the player he was. Serbian Monster!!!

Nemanja Vidic

Nemanja is one of the best Manchester and Sir Alex Ferguson signings ever.

However, it all could have been so different had he joined Liverpool, but Vidic joined United and has revealed that it was Ferguson that made the difference.

“Yes ,Liverpool were interested. Rafa Benitez called me and I nearly went there,”

Vidic said

“I was interested in going, but my English wasn’t good and I was struggling to communicate. Then Manchester United came. Fergie called me at my apartment and said: ‘I watched you play for Serbia against France – I want you here’.

“United were decisive. Everything was done very quickly, within two days.”

Sir Alex Ferguson and Nemanja Vidic

12 years ago, manager Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV: "Good defenders win you things.

"This lad is really natural and athletic. You need good defenders and that is exactly what this lad is." 

What a score this transfer really was.

Nemanja Vidic raises the trophy

Sir Alex Ferguson about Nemanja: "How many centre-halves can you name who actually like defending? Vidic liked it. He loved the challenge of sticking his head in there. You could tell that the thrill of contesting those 50-50 balls animated him."

The former central defender spent eight years at Old Trafford, captaining the side for three seasons and winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League.

After establishing himself at Red Star Belgrade during the early 2000s, Vidić moved to Spartak Moscow in the summer of 2004. He further garnered breakout attention when he was part of the "Famous Four" Serbian national team defense that conceded just one goal during the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, prompting a £7 million transfer to Manchester United in January 2006. Vidić then established a prominent defensive partnership with Rio Ferdinand the following season, earning a reputation as one of the world's best centre-backs, due to his defensive consistency and awareness, as well as his strength, leadership, and ability in the air. After a period of eight years in Manchester, Vidić joined Seria A club Internazionale on a free transfer. Vidić namely featured as a rotational player for two seasons, eventually agreeing to an early termination of his contract on January 18, 2016, as a result of inactivity due to a hernia injury. Vidić then announced his retirement just under two weeks later, on January 29.

but first of all, he is legend of Red Star Belgrade!

One of the greats defenders in history. Thank you for everything!