Latest news with #NemanjaVidic
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Man United legend reveals he almost signed for Liverpool
Vidic Almost Joined Liverpool Before Manchester United Move Sliding Doors in Serbian Steel There are few tales more riddled with regret and intrigue than those that involve players who almost changed the course of footballing history. Nemanja Vidic, a name synonymous with the snarling backbone of Sir Alex Ferguson's last great Manchester United side, has revealed that he almost joined Liverpool before ending up at Old Trafford. That revelation, delivered with the casual weight of a shrug, carries with it the sort of historical tension that only this rivalry can bear. Vidic said, 'In 2005, I had a call from Liverpool. Rafa Benitez called me and I spoke to him. He said he wanted me to come to Liverpool.' The thought alone is enough to send shivers down the spines of fans on both sides of the divide. Imagine him in red, but not that red. Photo: IMAGO Advertisement This was not a fleeting conversation either. 'I was interested. I thought about Liverpool,' he admitted. The allure of Merseyside was real. A European heavyweight coming off the back of a Champions League triumph, with Benitez looking to fortify a brittle defence. 'But my English was not good and I was struggling to communicate. Then Manchester United came.' It is the sort of detail that borders on the absurd. A man's trajectory, his legacy, shaped not by tactical preference or financial incentive but by language barriers. Liverpool blinked, and Ferguson didn't. The rest is stained into the turf of English football. Defining Eras, Red Shirts, Different Cities Vidic's eventual partnership with Rio Ferdinand became the gold standard of Premier League defending. Muscular, unyielding and often bordering on the violent, it was a duo that defined an era. Liverpool, meanwhile, spent the next several seasons in a state of tactical flux, attempting to replicate what they could have had. Photo IMAGO Advertisement Had Benitez been more persistent, had Vidic's English been just a little sharper, could Liverpool have built their spine earlier? This was a club with Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypiä, both warriors in their own right, but neither quite possessed the sheer intimidation factor of Vidic. His move to Manchester United in January 2006 for a fee of £7 million proved one of the defining transfers of the Premier League's modern age. United reclaimed the title the very next season and lifted four more during his tenure. In Europe, they won the Champions League in 2008. Liverpool's fans were left to watch their almost-centre-half hoist trophies in another red. Misfires in Transfer Markets History is peppered with moments like this, where clubs step to the brink and then retreat. Liverpool's flirtation with Vidic mirrors other transfer misfires that have haunted them: Dani Alves, Simao Sabrosa, and Cristiano Ronaldo are names that circle in regret like ravens around Anfield. In each case, negotiations faltered, and another club stepped in. Advertisement Yet the Vidic saga feels uniquely poignant. This was not just a missed opportunity, it was a gift wrapped in red ribbon and left unopened. 'I speak better English now. Maybe things could have been different,' Vidic quipped later, with the kind of humour that makes Liverpool fans wince. Legacy Defined by What Wasn't There are careers built on the games that were played, and others haunted by the ones that never were. Vidic almost joined Liverpool, and in doing so, he almost rewrote his story and theirs. Instead, he became a colossus in Manchester, a man for the trenches, bloodied but never bowed. For Liverpool, it remains a footnote in their transfer history, but a significant one. In a world of scouting algorithms and recruitment models, this one slipped through on the simplest of grounds. Communication.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic reveals Cristiano Ronaldo moment that transformed Sir Alex Ferguson's entire approach
CRISTIANO Ronaldo was the reason Sir Alex Ferguson cooled his infamous hairdryer treatment, according to Nemanja Vidic. The ex-Manchester United defender joined the star-studded Red Devils from Spartak Moscow for £7million in 2006 during the iconic Fergie years, regularly featuring in the same side as Ronaldo. 2 The pair won the Champions League together in 2008, as well as three Premier League titles and two League Cups before the latter's then-world record £80million departure for Real Madrid in 2009. But former defender Vidic says it wasn't just on the pitch that the Portuguese superstar had a huge impact. Speaking to his former Red Devils teammate Gary Neville on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, Vidic highlighted his own relationship with Ferguson, as well as mentioning how he used to shout at all of his players. That was until he met former Man United star Ronaldo. Speaking to his former Red Devils teammate Gary Neville on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, Vidic said: 'With the manager [Sir Alex Ferguson], I never had a close relationship. 'If he asked me something I would tell him, but I never had that [relationship]. Rio [Ferdinand] or Fletch [Darren Fletcher] would talk more. 'What he realised – it's not that he didn't shout at me because he was scared of anyone, but he realised that with certain players, it would not help if he's shouting. 'I think he changed that after he shouted at Cristiano Ronaldo. I don't think Ronaldo took it well – maybe good for the English and British players, but he was careful with the foreign players.' Vidic gave Gary Neville same four-word message every morning at Man Utd Vidic, born in Serbia and a former Serbian international, probably benefited from that particular Ronaldo influence. The defender left Man United in 2014 after racking up 300 appearances, signing for AC Milan at the end of his Red Devils contract.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
‘I didn't realise why he talked so much' – Vidic gave Gary Neville same four-word message every morning at Man Utd
NEMANJA VIDIC has revealed the four harsh words he would tell Gary Neville every morning at Manchester United. The legendary ex-Man Utd defender pulled no punches in the dressing room with his long-time team-mate ahead of morning training. 4 4 Vidić was speaking on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, when he spoke on his frustrations with Neville's annoying training ground habit. Vidic had recently made the move to England from Russian outfit Spartak Moscow in 2006, and was struggling to adapt to Man Utd's morning training. This discomfort was only made worse by Neville's incessant talking, which drove Vidic to snap back every day. He said: "I did not realise why he was talking all the time when I come in in the morning. "He comes in the dressing room and he is like - talking, talking, talking. "I was like - 'Please Gaz, shut up!'" Neville took the story in good spirits, cracking up before confirming: "It's true, every day!" The training ground tension didn't slow the pair down on the pitch. The duo made up half of the back line for one of English footballs greatest dynasties under Sir Alex Ferguson. 4 4 United won four Premier League titles during the duo's time at the club, including three in a row between the 06/07 and 08/09 seasons. The Serb would go on to make 300 appearances for the Red Devils, cementing himself as one of the Premier League's best ever centre backs.
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd have been 'cheated' by greedy players as club legend points the finger
Manchester United have not won the Premier League since 2013 and finished 15th under Ruben Amorim last season - and Nemanja Vidic has given his take on the situation Manchester United have been 'cheated' over the fees and salaries they have paid players in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, according to an Old Trafford legend. United have spent in excess of £1.5billion on players and paid exorbitant wages since Ferguson stepped down in 2013 after landing the club's last Premier League title. Since then, United have failed to challenge for the Premier League and ended last season in 15th place, their worst finish since they were relegated in the 1973/74 campaign. Former United defender Nemanja Vidic reckons his old club have been held to ransom by players who do not have the character to succeed there – but were only too happy to take the money. Asked if envisaged United not winning the Premier League for 12 years, Vidic said: 'No chance. My feeling is that Sir Alex Ferguson left but so did David Gill as well – that's two big personalities who had been with the club for 25-years. 'They're difficult to replace and Ed Woodward taking that position, I think was above his knowledge and his capability – that's my opinion. Obviously, he did fantastic for the club in terms of the marketing and bringing money in, but dealing with agents and players, that role needs someone with experience. 'Even having some ex-footballers around to understand how the players think and how the agent thinks [would have helped]. At the time, the club didn't help themselves in terms of not bringing in the knowledge of ex-players like Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, or Ryan Giggs – someone who has experienced talking with agents. 'I think sometimes with the salaries and the money we've paid to certain players, we've been cheated. That for me is the problem. Recruitment is the biggest thing, bringing in good football players, coaches, medical staff, and I think that they should be careful with what kind of people they bring into certain places. 'To be at Manchester United you have to be one of the best in the market, and you have to invest in that – maybe even more than in the players and I think that we haven't done that well. 'It's difficult to be at United now, to be a football player or the owner – whatever you do, it's difficult so if you want to change the club, the club has to bring in the characters. If the characters aren't in the club, it is difficult, and you will go through this situation. 'If you bring in people who are going to be nice, smiling, and saying things that you want to hear, I don't think that's the way forward. You need people who will take responsibility and be strong enough to say the things they see, even if they have to deal with the consequences.' Vidic, who took his coaching badges while playing for United but who has so far resisted the lure of returning to work in football, claimed players have too much power these days, which makes it even harder for managers. ' Football players have too much power and because of the money involved, the owner respects the opinion of an agent and player more than the manager,' said Vidic. 'That's the issue we have now. If you have a strong character and personality and have a conflict with a player now, I think the coach will be the one to leave the club. 'This is the era of a new generation of a manager who needs to be careful with how they talk to players – to be a psychologist. You cannot treat all players the same, or owners, and fans. Sir Alex Ferguson was great at this, but it's even more difficult now.' Nemana Vidic was speaking on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
I'm up for difficult job at Man Utd – I'm ready to return to make a difference
I'm up for difficult job at Man Utd – I'm ready to return to make a difference Nemanja Vidic won 15 trophies during his time at Manchester United and the Serbian has admitted he would like to manage the Red Devils at some stage in the future Nemanja Vidic opened up on his coaching ambitions (Image: Sky Sports Premier League/YouTube ) Nemanja Vidic has expressed his aspirations to one day take on the managerial role at Manchester United. Vidic, who was snapped up by Sir Alex Ferguson in December 2005 for an approximate fee of £7million, proved to be a valuable investment as he rose to become one of the Premier League's top defenders. During his illustrious spell with Manchester United, Vidic clinched an impressive haul of 15 trophies, including five Premier League titles. However, his tenure with the club came to an end under Louis van Gaal after battling with injuries and a dip in performance levels. Following his departure, Vidic hung up his boots, ending his playing days with Inter Milan due to persistent injury issues. Although Vidic has shown interest in pursuing coaching, he currently places emphasis on family life with his three young children taking precedence, reports the Manchester Evening News. Nonetheless, the Serbian has acknowledged a future ambition to manage the Reds. "If I was to manage or coach anyone, it would have to be Manchester United," he confessed in a chat with The Overlap, a production by Sky Bet. "I like things when they're difficult and to change something from difficult to good, this is something I like to do." The Manchester United legend admitted his ambition to become a future manager of his former club (Image: The Overlap ) Article continues below When queried about his immediate ventures, Vidic revealed a flexible stance towards coaching or football governance roles. "I'm open an opportunity to be a coach, or to work in football as a Sporting Director, or even the Serbian President of the FA – that was the plan a few years ago – it didn't happen but maybe it could happen in the future," he continued. "Obviously, what I'm doing outside [of football], business wise, creating a company which is going to be not just successful but is going to be who I am as well. "Everything I do, I like to do the best I can, and to produce the quality. In the business I'm doing now, with the apartments, that's what I'm trying to achieve as well. To create good apartments and nice buildings, which I'm going to be proud walking in, and being proud of what I've built." He then spoke about his son's own football career, saying: "It's difficult watching my son play football because he's playing centre-back and I see everything in terms of what he can do better. The Serbian star spent eight years at Old Trafford (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images ) "I'm the type of person that when they see, they have to say – I can't keep it to myself. He's learning now to accept that but it's good. I like watching him when I see his improvement and in the last year, he has improved a lot. Article continues below "In my house, we don't really talk much about football. We don't talk about how many trophies I won – I'm not much in the media. People are always saying, 'Your son has pressure' – I don't think he has any pressure. He has an advantage. "Everyone knows who his dad is and the first thing they are going to do is compare and see how good he is. So, people will come to watch you, and if you are good, you are good."
