Manchester United

The Serbian star, rated as one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League, has been linked with some of Europe’s top clubs over the summer but has now extended his stay with United by signing a new four-year deal.

The likes of Italian giants AC Milan and La Liga outfit Real Madrid, now managed by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, had been mooted as possible suitors for the powerful stopper but Vidic will stick with United.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was understandably delighted Vidic has agreed new terms.

Rio Ferdinand, who usually partners the powerful Serbian in the heart of the United defence, is still two or three weeks away from being able to play after suffering a knee injury in the build up to the World Cup and it was perhaps crucial that the United boss retained Vidic’s services.

“We are delighted Nemanja has committed his future to the club,” Ferguson said. “This kills all the silly speculation over the past few months.

“Nemanja has developed into one of the best centre-halves in Europe and we are pleased he will be here for many years to come.”

Both Real and AC Milan were rumoured to be lining up mega bids for the 28-year-old, with some sources speculating the duo would battle it out by launching bids of around £20million to capture the defender, but that speculation has now been ended.

The man himself revealed he was pleased to have extended his stay at Old Trafford and paid tribute to United for helping him improve as a player after joining in a £7.2million deal in 2005 from Russian side Spartak Moscow.

“I am very happy to sign this contract,” added Vidic. “I came to this club when I was young and have developed enormously with the help of the manager, coaching staff and my team-mates.

“During my time here we have had a lot of success and I look forward to continuing that success in the coming seasons.”

United take on Fulham at Craven Cottage as they look to continue their fine start to the season, having beaten Newcastle 3-0  and secured the Community Shield title with a 3-1 victory over Chelsea (Fulham 9/2, draw 14/5, Man Utd 8/13).

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Nemanja Vidic

The centre-half has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2006 and there were rumours some of Europe’s top sides were preparing bids for Vidic.

Jose Mourinho was reportedly keen to add Vidic to his Real side as the Portuguese coach prepares for his first season as boss at the Bernabeu, while Barcelona and clubs in Italy and Germany have been credited with an interest in the past.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has maintained throughout the close season that he expects the 28-year-old to remain with his side and Old Trafford chief executive David Gill has now confirmed that both Vidic and the club have agreed terms on a new deal.

“I am very pleased to confirm that we agreed terms with Nemanja three or four weeks ago on a new long-term deal with the club,” Gill told MUTV. “We sat down with Nemanja and his advisor at the end of last season and started discussions. They broke up when Nemanja went away to the World Cup, but resumed when Serbia were knocked out.

“It’s yet to be signed – the paperwork is now being sorted by our lawyers and being checked by Nemanja’s advisors. He’s still away on holiday but the plan is that when he gets back the papers will be signed.

“We’ve shaken hands on it and we’re confident it will all be signed and sealed in early August. It’s great news for Manchester United  and great news for Nemanja and the fans.”

Vidic is currently resting after his World Cup campaign with Serbia but will link up with the rest of the United squad when they return from their tour of America.

United kick off their Premier League campaign with a home tie against newly-promoted Newcastle United on August 16 but first they face Chelsea in the Community Shield on August 8, with Vidic expected to face the current champions after signing a new deal (Chelsea 13/10, draw 11/5, United 2/1 – 90 minutes).

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