Theres' no doubt in my mind and i'm sure in the minds of other United fans around the globe that Nemanja Vidic is one of Fergie's best ever signings. Plucked from relative Russian obscurity in 2006 for a seemingly miserly fee of £7m he has established himself as one of the best centre-halves in the world. Yet yesterday, at the age of 30, he called time on his illustrious international career, citing criticism from fans about his attitude as his main reason. I find it hard to understand why Serbian fans would question Vidic's attitude, especially as he fought tooth and nail to show the world what the Serbian national team were capable of. He also claims that on several occasions he played through injury to captain his side. Lack of commitment? I think not.
This news although harmful to the Serbian national team would have been greeted with joy in the red half of Manchester. Fergie is a renowned figure in the on-going club v country row and this news will no doubt delight him. No longer will Vidic have to travel to the likes of Japan and Australia for supposedly pointless friendlies. No longer will Fergie be worried about his captain's fitness on his return from international duty. And no longer will United fans fret on whether he will pick up an injury playing for his country days before a big game.
With a fully-fit Nemanja Vidic few will argue that United possess the world's best current centre back. With this in mind I genuinely feel United's title chances have dramatically increased, particularly with Rio Ferdinand's defensive frailities being ruthlessly exposed by the likes of Mario Balotelli in the drubbing at Old Trafford on Sunday as well as Jonny Evans's apparent lack of discipline after that red card.
Many people underestimate his leadership as well and I can guarantee that United would not have lost 6-1 on Sunday with him in the team. His passion, desire and committment to the cause are second to none. Would he have let that first goal go in? Would he have dealt with Balotelli better than Evans and Co. did? Questions that would no doubt have been posed by United fans after the shock defeat to the "noisy neighbours."
I for one now hope that Vida potentially forms a partnership with Phil Jones, who has been immense at the back for United and further proof that Fergie still has the eye for a future superstar. Don't get me wrong I haven't completely forgotten the likes of Evans and Ferdinand but to me there is no question that Vidic is the best we have, and his decision to retire from Serbia is a definite blessing, and one that will leave United in good stead to lift the title for the 20th time on May 13th.
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