Nemanja Vidic
Nemanja Vidic
Manchester UnitedManchester United
Nemanja Vidic
Date of Birth:21 Oct 1981 (Age 30)
Place of Birth:Uzice
Nationality:Serbia
Height:188 cm.
Weight:85 Kg.
Position:Defender
Squad Number:15
More On :  Serbia, Nemanja Vidic
Nemanja Vidic - Serbia (Getty Images)
Vidic began his career with Serbian club Red Star Belgrade. He became a member of their youth team at the tender age of 14. He was loaned out to Spartak Subotica for the 2000-01 season and he made his senior debut there, making 27 appearances and scoring 6 goals. He returned to Red Star at the end of the loan period and established himself as a regular starter. His steady performances and winning attitude earned him the captain's armband for three years.

He left Red Star on a high, winning the domestic league and cup double with them in his last year and soon moved to Spartak Moscow in August 2004. After playing two seasons in Russia, he was signed by English giants Manchester United, where he forged one of England's most successful central defensive partnerships with Rio Ferdinand. In the 2008-09, he led United to a record run of 14 consecutive clean sheets. He has won numerous individual honours for his performances during his stay in England.

Vidic has played for Serbia at youth levels before making it to the senior team. His first senior match came against Italy in October 2002 during Euro 2004 qualification. He soon found himself regularly in the playing XI. The Serbian defence earned plaudits for their performance in the 2006 Fifa World Cup qualification campaign, where they conceded only one goal in ten matches, setting a new record. This led to it being dubbed as the 'Famous Four' defence which apart from Vidic, consisted of Mladen Krstajic, Ivica Dragutinovic and Goran Gavrancic.

Serbia qualified by virtue of a 1-0 victory in their last qualification match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Although Vidic was sent off in the 85th minute, he played a major part in their qualification. The Serbian National team had a very good 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign as well, as Serbia finished as group leaders with the best defensive record, ahead of European heavyweights France.

Vidic employs an aggressive defensive style, which has led him to be recognised as one of England's premier defenders. He has a good physical presence and his excellent aerial ability is useful in both defensive and offensive situations. He is a fan favourite at United and parallels are drawn between him and former United defender Steve Bruce as they have similar characteristics.


Playing Honours:


Red Star Belgrade

Yugoslav Cup: 2002

Serbian Superliga: 2003–04

Serbia and Montenegro Cup: 2004

Manchester United

Premier League: 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09

League Cup: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009-10

FA Community Shield: 2007, 2008

UEFA Champions League: 2007–08

FIFA Club World Cup: 2008

 

 

Individual


·      Serbia's Overseas Player of the Year : 2005 (with Spartak Moscow), 2007, 2008 (with Manchester United)

·      Serbian Footballer of the Year : 2005 (with Spartak Moscow), 2008 (with Manchester United)

·      PFA Team of the Year : 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09 (with Manchester United)

·      Premier League Player of the Month: January 2009

·      Barclays Player of the Season: 2008–09

·      Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year: 2008-09

·      FIFPro World XI (1): 2008-09

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