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Nemanja Vidic’s decision to retire from football has led Manchester United fans to debate his best moments in the red shirt.
The Serb spent eight years at Old Trafford and quickly became a crowd favourite, famed for his tough defending.
The centre-back won the Champions League, five Premier League titles and three League Cups, and departed in 2014 a genuine United hero.
So, what was Vidic’s finest hour for United? There are dozens of moments to choose from, and we have tried to pick the best five in the gallery below:
Vidic's five best moments for Manchester UnitedShow all 5 1 /5Vidic's five best moments for Manchester United Vidic's five best moments for Manchester United United's captain - 2010 With Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand all missing United’s trip to Turkey to play Bursaspor Sir Alex Ferguson hands the armband to Vidic. And the defender’s leadership qualities are quickly in evidence as he leads his side to a 3-0 win.
2010 Getty Images
Vidic's five best moments for Manchester United Scoring against Bayern – 2014 It doesn’t count for much in the end, but for a few minutes it appears Vidic’s header will put United on course for the Champions League semi-finals as he gives David Moyes’ side the lead from a corner at Old Trafford. It doesn’t last – Bastian Schweinsteiger equalises and the Germans go on to win the second leg – but the celebrations after Vidic’s opener still make this a moment to remember for United fans.
2014 AFP
Vidic's five best moments for Manchester United Last-minute winner – 2008 A memorable moment not so much for the goal – an injury-time winner at Old Trafford – as for the celebration that follows it. After Michael Carrick’s shot hits the post Vidic follows up to slam the ball into the net from the few yards. He then sprints off along the Stretford End waving his arms manically, like a hyperactive toddler with a skipping rope.
2008 AFP
Vidic's five best moments for Manchester United Denying Messi – 2011 Champions League final We could have chosen any one of Vidic’s hundreds of blocks, tackles, headers, interceptions – and the occasional blatant foul – but if any moment summed up the Serb’s commitment to the cause it was his phenomenal tackle against Lionel Messi in the 2011 Champions League final at Wembley. With Messi speeding in on goal, Vidic times his challenge brilliantly, nipping the ball off the Argentine with his right foot and setting United off on the counter.
2011 Getty Images
Vidic's five best moments for Manchester United Champions of Europe – 2008 Two years after joining Manchester United, Vidic wins the greatest club competition on the planet as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side beat Chelsea on penalties in the final. Vidic would go on to win three more Premier League titles – taking his total to five – but helping United become champions of Europe was his finest hour.
2008 AFP
“The time has come for me to hang up my boots,” Vidic said in a statement released by United’s official website. “The injuries I have had in the last few years have taken their toll.
“I would like to thank all the players I have played with, all the managers and staff I have worked with, and say a big ‘thank you’ to the fans for their support over the years.”
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