NEMANJA VIDIC

15. NEMANJA VIDIC

• Born: 21 Oct 1981, Uzice, Yugoslavia
• Signed: 5 Jan 2006 (fr. Spartak Moscow)
• Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
• Other Former Clubs: Red Star Belgrade
• Debut: To Be Confirmed
• International: Serbia & Montenegro

Having steered his national side to World Cup qualification in 2005, it was no surprise when several of Europe's top clubs came knocking on the door of Spartak Moscow defender Nemanja Vidic.

Having conceded only one goal in the qualification process (and that to a certain Raúl), the Serbia and Montenegro defence was quickly dubbed "the famous four", with Vidic widely acknowledged as the star man.

Despite interest from the likes of Liverpool and Fiorentina however, the 24 year-old delighted United fans the world over in January 2006 by putting pen to paper on a four-year deal at Old Trafford.

At 6'2" and with an aggressive, physical playing style, Vidic was inevitably likened to legendary United defenders of old, such as Steve Bruce and Jaap Stam, upon signing for the club.

But on his arrival in Manchester, the player was keen to avoid such comparisons: "When I was a child there were some fabulous players but really I don't try to imitate or copy anyone and I don't have any role models," he said.

"I am trying to be myself, make my own style and produce my own image."

Despite his young age, Vidic was a regular fixture in the heart of the Spartak Moscow defence in the two years prior to his big-money move to United.

Picking up 12 Yellow Cards in 30 games for Spartak Moscow in 2005, Vidic quickly gained a reputation as a no-nonsense centre half with excellent ariel ability.

Prior to signing for Spartak, the defender learned his trade at Red Star, where the rookie stopper notched 12 goals in 67 league appearances and even captained the side.