Nemanja Vidic: Manchester United can win the title without me

 Nemanja Vidic insists that the club can secure a 20th Premier League title without him.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side currently trail Manchester City at the top of the table by three points, but the United skipper believes that their experience will help them overcome Roberto Mancini's challengers.

The Red Devils travel to Arsenal this weekend hoping for a repeat of their 8-2 thrashing of the Gunners earlier this season, and Vidic is confident his side will secure all the spoils at the Emirates.

He told The Daily Mirror: "If you look at our history and commitment, you know we like to win all trophies and I believe we are the team in Manchester who will keep doing that every year.

"Of course we're confident. We're challenging for the title and we're only three points behind City.

"We've had problems with injuries, but I think against Arsenal this weekend we have a good chance."

United have suffered with injuries all season long but with a number of players returning to fitness and Paul Scholes' dramatic retirement u-turn, Vidic is predicting glory for Sir Alex Ferguson's side once again.

He continued: "We have a few players back, which will help the manager. We have a good squad - a good balance between experience and youth.

"It's good for the city of Manchester to have two football teams doing well. There's a lot of talk and banter.

"It's always healthy to have competition and we don't mind it. It helps to improve ourselves."

Vidic suffered a serious knee injury after tangling with Basel striker Marco Streller during December's 2-1 defeat to the Swiss side, a result which saw United crash out of the Champions League.

The Serbian is hopeful of returning for the start of next season and is confident he can maintain his level of performances which have seen him become one of the most fearsome and dominant defenders in world football.

He explained: "Everything is going well. I had my operation three weeks ago and it's progressing in the right way. I still have a long way to go, but I will be patient. I have motivation to work hard and I want to be back as soon as possible.

"I want to be fit and at the same level I was at before the injury. That will push me to work hard.

"There's no timescale for my return. It's not about targeting a date but I hope I will be right for the start of next season."

Agent admits Man Utd captain Vidic could be out for 12 months

The agent of Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has rubbished career doubts over the Serb's knee injury.

Vidic is expected to have surgery later this week and could be out for up to a year after rupturing three major ligaments in his right knee.

Silvana Martina insisted: "The first forecasts say it can last for a year, but it is meaningless to talk about the end of his career.

"It’s a serious injury but club doctors assure us that the recovery will run smoothly and he will be back on the field. It will take time to get back into the old rhythm, but there is no doubt that Vidic will be his old self again.

"Nemanja is feeling good. He will be back next year stronger and better."

Vidic feels he's back to his best at Man Utd

 Nemanja Vidic can sense himself returning to his very best.

United have conceded just one goal in six games since Vidic's return to the defence in mid-October.

The Serb, 30, said: "I've been training well. I feel close to top form."

Vidic: Man City will suffer just like Chelsea

Nemanja Vidic is sure rivals Manchester City will come unstuck.

Vidic has warned City they don't hand out the trophies in November.

"We will think about what they are going to do," said the defender, "but only if they are five points ahead of us with six games to go.

"You can see what I mean from last year. In the first seven or eight games Chelsea played unbelievably.

"But there was also a time when everything is not going well. It’s a ten-month season and you can’t always play great football.

"There will be good days and bad days but you have to play as a team.

"For that reason, we aren’t thinking about them. We still have to play them and they still have to play the top four or five others as well.

"So, we aren’t thinking about them, because that’s not the way we are going to win the league."

Vidic next in line for Fergie axe as United consider selling skipper to Real Madrid

Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to rip the heart from his defence next summer and sell Nemanja Vidic to Real Madrid.

Real coach Jose Mourinho continues to eye Vidic as he looks to build a team that can wrest the Champions League crown from their great rivals Barcelona.

Ferguson understandably will not countenance letting his club captain go in the forthcoming January transfer window.

But Sportsmail understands that, remarkably, Ferguson will consider selling Vidic next summer if his old friend Mourinho comes up with enough money to enable United to buy a replacement.

With doubts over Rio Ferdinand’s long-term future at Old Trafford, selling Vidic at a time when young defenders such as Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are still developing would appear to be a huge risk.

However, it is understood that Ferguson is no longer convinced that Vidic is 100 per cent committed to life at United and has been less than impressed with the Serb’s efforts so far this season.

Ferguson had similar doubts two years ago but Vidic managed to allay them and signed a new contract early last season.

That deal will have only two years left at the end of the season which, from one point of view, would make it the perfect time to sell.

Vidic is not agitating for a move. Despite persistent rumours about his wife being unhappy, the 30-year-old and his family have settled in the North West and have recently been trying to buy property.

But Ferguson has a history of selling important players when he feels they are no longer totally in line — and is usually proved right.

Stars such as Jaap Stam, David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy were moved on when they had plenty of football left in them, but the United manager still managed to drive his team to success without them.

Vidic has played only three Barclays Premier League games this season after suffering a calf injury on the opening weekend at West Bromwich Albion. He did, however, irritate Ferguson by playing in an international for Serbia just a few days before making a disastrous return for United in the Champions League at Otelul Galati, where he was sent off.

Ferguson left his captain in the stands for the 6-1 defeat at home to Manchester City but praised him after he returned to help United keep clean sheets against Everton and Sunderland on the past two weekends.

Mourinho targets Man Utd captain Vidic

Real Madrid are preparing an offer for Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic.

The People says Real are believed to be preparing a shock £10million summer swoop for Vidic.

And that could plunge Sir Alex Ferguson into a major defensive crisis – with the United boss believed to be ready to listen to offers for Rio Ferdinand.

Sources in Madrid say Vidic, 30, tops Jose Mourinho’s summer wish list – but losing the former Serbia star is not on the agenda for Ferguson.

Lindegaard: We're stronger with Ferdinand, Vidic at back

 Anders Lindegaard was delighted with their clean sheet in victory over Sunderland.

Lindegaard joked it was all down to his presence between the posts against Sunderland before hailing Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic’s contribution. It was the first time since the opening day of the season the pair have started a game together.

“Obviously Vida and Rio know each other well and they complement each other very well," he said. "The two of them were amazing today. It was very enjoyable being a goalkeeper behind them.

“I thought we did very well defensively. We didn’t give Sunderland any real chances all game. It was maybe the best defensive game from us this season. But there’s still room for improvement.”

No finger pointing at Man Utd while Vidic captain

There'll be no finger pointing at Manchester United while Nemanja Vidic is captain.

Vidic says United will always win and lose as a team.

He told manutd.com: "If we want to win the title we have to perform together as a team and take responsibility as a team, not as individuals.

"We shouldn’t point at the finger at anyone because we play as a team. This is the most important thing to remember.

"It’s about performing in training and showing that you want to work hard, you want to improve and you want to win. This is what all the players are trying to do."

Vidic confirms Serbia retirement

 Nemanja Vidic has confirmed his international retirement with Serbia.

The United captain earned 56 caps for Serbia and scored two goals.

"After a great deal of thought and with a heavy heart, I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international football," Vidic told ManUtd.com.

"I feel, after 10 years of playing for my country, it is the right time for me to stand aside and allow the younger players to come through.

"I would like to thank all the managers, coaches and players I have played alongside.

"I have always been very proud to play for Serbia and would like to wish them well in future tournaments."

Vidic to quit internationals after Serbia fail to qualify for Euro 2012

Captain Nemanja Vidic has hinted he's ready to announce his international retirement.

Vidic missed a second-half penalty as his country chased a win in Slovenia that would have guaranteed a place in the play-offs.

"It's time for a change of generations, and for some older players to say goodbye to the Serbian kit," said Vidic.

Vidic was making his first appearance since injuring a calf in United's opening game of the Barclays Premier League season.

Vidic is £25m target for moneybags Anzhi

Mega-rich Anzhi Makhachkala are ready to test Manchester United's resolve over Nemanja Vidic with a £25m bid.

The Russians want to follow their stunning capture of Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o, reportedly being paid £350,000 a week, by signing warhorse Vidic.

United saw off interest from Real Madrid and AC Milan last summer by giving the captain's armband to the 29-year-old Serbian and handing him a new four-year contract.

But the signing of England Under 21 defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones and the emergence of Jonny Evans has given Sir Alex Ferguson and embarrassment of riches.

And Anzhi, controlled by Russian billionaire Suleyman Kerimou, are hoping United may be willing to cash in on a player who cost just £7m from Spartak Moscow in 2006.

Ferguson warns Vidic, Ferdinand place not guaranteed

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned senior defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic they face a battle earning a return to the first team.

Ferdinand, 32, skipper Vidic, 29, and the rest of the club's established stars know they have a new challenge on their hands to retain regular first-team football.

Ferguson said: "Rio and Nemanja are aware of the abilities of the young players. There is no question about that.

"When they are both fit, or one of them is, I will have a decision to make."

Vidic named Premier League Player of the Season

Nemanja Vidic has been named the Barclays Premier League Player of the Season.

The 29-year old star was a rock in the centre of defence for the champions, making 34 appearances in the third-best defence in the country.

The award is the second of the like awarded to the Serbia international, following on from his 2008/09 triumph and is a nice reward for a campaign full of dedication and hard work towards the Premiership cause.

Vidic: Smalling has big future here

Nemanja Vidic has no doubts Chris Smalling is destined for big things.

In an eight-game run until's return from  Rio Ferdinand a calf problem at Stamford Bridge last week, the Greenwich-born player has shown clear signs of the ability that persuaded United to splash out £7million on his services in the summer, even though Smalling had only made 19 first-team appearances for Fulham.

He has already gone past that number for United and Vidic is confident there will be plenty more to follow.

"Chris has done very well," the Serbian told United Review.

"He didn't have any trouble stepping into the team and he showed everybody how good a player he is.

"It has been a great season for him and he has a big future in front of him.

"He is only 21, so it is a massive achievement for him to have played so many games at his age for this club."

Gibson: Vidic capable of giving hairdryer teammates

Darron Gibson has revealed skipper Nemanja Vidic is prepared to get tough with his teammates.

Gibson feels the captaincy has enhanced Vidic's game this term.

“He’s a good captain. Everyone gets on well with him and he’s a good leader," Gibson told sport.co.uk.

“He’s a nice man but when he wants to, when he has to, he can give someone a dressing down.”

Vidic and Rooney to remain a Red Devil

Manchester United chief executive David Gill is planning talks with Wayne Rooney to extend his stay with the Red Devils.

With two years left on striker Rooney’s contract, Manchester United’s chief executive is eager for the England International to remain at Old Trafford for the long-term.

On Friday, United announced they had agreed a deal to keep Nemanja Vidic at the club after reports suggested he could leave for Real Madrid or AC Milan.

Now United’s No. 10, who is scheduled to hold talks after he returns from holiday, is the next player the club wish to tie down.

"The current intention is to meet with Wayne and his advisers when we're back from tour and he's back from holiday with a view to sorting out a new deal for him,” Gill told reporters.

"It's clear from what he has said and what the club have said that both parties are very keen to sort things out and secure his long-term future at United.

"Given his desires and what he means to the club we're very confident that can be achieved."

Ana Ivanovic may topple Malcolm Glazer to be Man Utd No.1 enemy soon..check out why..

Manchester United are ready to offer Nemanja Vidic a new £90,000-a-week deal in an attempt to keep him out of the clutches of Real Madrid.

Vidic is unhappy that his current £70,000-a-week contract is significantly less than the £110,000 paid to his central defensive partner Rio Ferdinand, and is demanding a deal closer to the club’s top earners.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson added to the uncertainty over Vidic’s future following United’s win over Philadelphia Union on Thursday when he was asked to clarify the player’s situation.

‘I can’t clarify it  at all,’ said Ferguson. But when pressed if he thought the 28-year-old would still be at Old Trafford next season, the United boss said: ‘Yes, I believe so.’

Before the Glazer takeover, United would usually wait until a player had two years left on his deal before opening talks over a new one. But, with the exception of Wayne Rooney, that has been reduced to 12 months.

United believe the mixed messages from the Vidic camp through his agent Paolo Fabbri are merely an attempt to force their hand, but are ready to relent because they are desperate to hold on to the player. They hope their offer will persuade him to stay for another year at least.

With doubts persisting over Ferdinand’s fitness, and Jonny Evans and new boy Chris Smalling deemed too inexperienced to become regular starters just yet, Ferguson knows he cannot afford to lose Vidic.

The player’s wife Ana is known to be unhappy with life in England and pushing for a move to a warmer climate, but United want to buy themselves more time. 

Vidic to hand in transfer request for REAL..

Nemanja Vidic is ready to quit Man Utd.

The Sun says wants to quit Manchester United for Real Madrid.

Vidic is disappointed the Old Trafford side have not offered him a new contract this summer.

Now the defender wants to join Jose Mourinho at the Bernabeu in an £18million move.

The ex-Chelsea boss wants the Serbian to form the backbone of his new-look defence, with Ashley Cole of Chelsea another target.

Vidic, 28, joined United in 2006 in a £7m transfer from Spartak Moscow.

He signed a new deal a year later taking his wages to £70,000 a week.

But that was still well behind centre-back partner Rio Ferdinand who is on £110,000 a week.

Nemanja Vidic to stay if offered £100,000 a week.

Nemanja Vidic is prepared to have a dramatic change of heart and stay at Manchester United if they catapult him to the top of the pay league.

The defender had been expected to quit the club in the summer after his attitude was put under scrutiny by Sir Alex Ferguson. He has responded in recent weeks with a string of top-class performances and could yet stay if they make him an offer in excess of £100,000 a week.

United have several pay scales and reserve the highest bracket for Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney. Vidic could stay if they make him one of the best-paid players at the club.

Ferguson recently said he was one of the game's great defenders and his partnership with Ferdinand is one of the most reliable in the game.

He had been eyeing a move to AC Milan but cash problems at the Italian club have forced him to reconsider.

Manchester United miss Nemanja Vidic BADLY>>>

With Rio Ferdinand's worrying back problem flaring up again, Nemanja Vidic will be a key figure in the remainder of the season as the champions bid to retain the title and reach their third consecutive Champions League final.

neTToboy and his idol, Nemanja Vidic ;p

Despite the major doubts over his long-term future at Old Trafford, Vidic needs to stay fit for Sir Alex Ferguson in the run-in. On why Vidic is key figure for Man U?..We'll let the statistic speak for Vidic.

Opta stats show the first-choice pairing of Ferdinand and Vidic have conceded 0.88 goals per game when in tandem over the past two seasons.

It must be considered that they would often figure in the most difficult matches but the duo, who have not been side by side in United's defence since October, are not the best option statistically.

Revealingly, Vidic and Jonny Evans have the best average points haul (2.71) and defensive record (0.29 goals per game).

Second best is the pairing of Vidic and Wes Brown (0.57 goals per game).

Obviously other factors need to be taken into account and it's not all down to the centre-back partnership but what is clear, even without the statistical evidence, is that Ferguson cannot afford to field Brown and Evans in the middle together on a regular basis.

Brown and Evans appear less secure when Ferguson is forced to partner them at the heart of the back-four. The 3-1 defeat at Everton provided further evidence of the lack of protection they offer Edwin van der Sar and led to inevitable questions as to why Vidic, who was an unused substitute, wasn't risked instead.

Brown and Evans have the worst record of all the pairings - United have collected an average of only 1.56 points per game in their nine matches in tandem.

If Vidic does depart in the summer, he will leave a massive hole in the United defence with Ferdinand still needing to prove his fitness problems are behind him.

England Under-21 rookie Chris Smalling will have huge shoes to fill if he doesn't find the Serbian in the dressing room when he completes his move from Fulham.

United are clearly more secure with the 28-year-old in the side and it's vital he strings together a long run of games if the Red Devils are to achieve their goals this term.