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Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool 'took too long' over pivotal transfer Man Utd sealed in just four days
Liverpool had shown an interest in Nemanja Vidic before his move to Manchester United, but Sir Alex Ferguson acted quickly to beat their rivals to his signature Manchester United icon Nemanja Vidic has confessed he considered signing for arch-rivals Liverpool before his move to Old Trafford. Vidic had impressed at Spartak Moscow and was quickly snapped up by United for £7million in December 2005, officially joining the Red Devils a month later. The centre-back, who recently expressed his ambition to manage United one day, had been linked with a move to Old Trafford two years earlier. Vidic soon demonstrated why Sir Alex Ferguson had been a long-term admirer, establishing himself as one of the best defenders of the Premier League era. During his eight-and-a-half-year stint at United, Vidic won 10 major honours, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008. However, Vidic had also caught the eye of Liverpool and another Premier League club before Ferguson swooped in to secure his services. "Yes, we talked [with Liverpool boss Rafa Benítez] maybe once or twice, but nothing happened for two or three weeks," Vidic revealed on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet. "David O'Leary wanted to bring me to Aston Villa too, but they didn't have the money. I had dinner with David O'Leary – he came to Moscow." However, Vidic's decision was straightforward once the United boss got in touch. "Fergie just called me once and asked if I wanted to play for [Manchester] United, I said yes and that was done in four days," he recalled. Vidic made 15 appearances in the latter half of the 2005/06 season, but it was the subsequent campaign where he and Rio Ferdinand began to forge their iconic partnership, leading United to their first league title in four years. Having missed out on Vidic, Liverpool signed defenders Jan Kromkamp and Daniel Agger in the January window, while Villa struggled to a 16th-place finish. "I was happy to go to Aston Villa, but they didn't have money at the time – that's what David O'Leary told me," Vidic explained. "Liverpool were waiting too long, and Sir Alex Ferguson came in quickly and did the deal in four days." Vidic has admitted that the speed of his move to Old Trafford meant he forgot to mention his wage demands, which initially led him to take a pay cut for his big-money move to the Premier League. "When I met him [Sir Alex Ferguson] was when I signed the contract with him and David Gill," Vidic admitted. "The mistake I made at the time was that I said I wanted to play for United but I didn't say for how much money! "For me at the time, it wasn't about the money – I wanted to test myself. If I wanted more money, it would've been better for me to stay in Moscow. "I had double the money in Moscow than I did in Manchester when I came. Obviously, Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill told me don't worry and that, this contract is just the beginning, and then if I played 50 games – it doesn't matter if it's 5 or 10 minutes – we'll change the contract. After 20-25 games, I signed a new contract." Ferguson improved United's defence through Vidic's arrival, marking another pivotal piece in his plan to overthrow Jose Mourinho's dominant Chelsea side. With Edwin van der Sar and Park Ji-sung signing months earlier and soon joined by Patrice Evra, Vidic would go on to form the backbone of United's success. Having been part of a successful United side, Vidic recently took aim at the club's failures in the post-Ferguson era. The 43-year-old blamed the huge wages paid to players and the lack of football expertise within the club's hierarchy during Ed Woodward's time as chief executive. Vidic was given the armband in 2010, lifting two league titles as captain. Upon signing Vidic, Ferguson declared: "Good defenders win you things. This lad is really natural and athletic. You need good defenders and that is exactly what this lad is."
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic reveals Cristiano Ronaldo moment that transformed Sir Alex Ferguson's entire approach
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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 Ferguson was renowned for his no nonsense approach in the dressing room Credit: Getty 2 But Vidic says Ronaldo changed his ways Credit: Getty 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. Read more on football NEVER ENZ-ING Premier League 'REFUSE' Chelsea request to move opening fixture 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. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK '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. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘I didn't realise why he talked so much' – Vidic gave Gary Neville same four-word message every morning at Man Utd
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Vidic joined Man Utd for £9million in 2006, playing 300 games before his departure to Inter in 2014 Credit: Action Images 4 Neville might now be as recognisable for his career in punditry as he was as a player, hosting Vidic on his show 'The Overlap' - where the comments were revealed Credit: Getty 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. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL HEND OF THE ROAD Jordan Henderson rips up Ajax contract and released from deal a year early "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 Vidic and Neville played 79 matches together for the Red Devils Credit: Getty 4 Neville has gone from pitch to screen as a pundit, often forming a presenter partnership with ex-rival Jamie Carragher Credit: The Times CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 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.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish 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. Advertisement 4 Vidic joined Man Utd for £9million in 2006, playing 300 games before his departure to Inter in 2014 Credit: Action Images 4 Neville might now be as recognisable for his career in punditry as he was as a player, hosting Vidic on his show 'The Overlap' - where the comments were revealed Credit: Getty Vidić was speaking on Vidic had recently made the move to England from Russian outfit Spartak Moscow in 2006, and was struggling to adapt to 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. Advertisement READ MORE ON FOOTBALL "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. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive The duo made up half of the back line for one of English footballs greatest dynasties under Sir Alex Ferguson. 4 Vidic and Neville played 79 matches together for the Red Devils Credit: Getty 4 Neville has gone from pitch to screen as a pundit, often forming a presenter partnership with ex-rival Jamie Carragher Credit: The Times CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Advertisement 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. Ex-Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick, 67, rushed to hospital for emergency surgery following botched op
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."
