Birthdate: 21 Oct 1981

Birthplace: Uzice, Serbia

Position: Defender

Joined United: 05 Jan 2006

United Debut: 25 Jan 2006 v Blackburn (H)

International : Serbia

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Nemanja Vidic is a beast of a defender. Tall, athletic and solid as a rock, he's uncompromising in the tackle and formidable in the air. His partnership with Rio Ferdinand during the 2006/07 season drew comparisons to great United pairings like Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister.

Vidic began his career with his boyhood club, Red Star Belgrade, when he joined their youth programme at the age of 14. His first-team debut didn't arrive until 2001 but he went on to make 22 appearances in his first season. His leadership qualities quickly saw him handed the captain's armband. After three successful years as skipper – he scored 12 times in 67 matches – he ended his stay with Red Star on a high by leading them to Serbia's domestic league and cup double. He made the switch to Russian outfit Spartak Moscow in August 2004 and soon became a regular starter. Just 39 games and four goals later, United came calling.

The Reds announced his signing on Christmas Day, 2005. He hadn't played for two months as the Russian season had recently ended, so it took some time for his true ability to shine. But after completing an intensive training programme, Vida began to show his class.

A training ground injury while on World Cup duty with Serbia & Montenegro ruled Vidic out of the tournament and United's first six games of the 2006/07 season. But when he did take his place alongside Rio Ferdinand in the heart of the defence, he gelled immediately and soon began to pose an attacking threat from set pieces. Vidic scored three league goals on the way to clinching his first Premiership medal and also notched a crucial equaliser on Champions League Matchday 6 against Benfica at Old Trafford.

A collar-bone injury sustained at the end of March kept Vidic out of the bulk of United's title run-in, but his performances until that point had been strong enough to help the Reds to the top of the league... and inspire a rousing song of his own among the matchgoing faithful.

His form was also acknowledged with a spot in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

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