Nemanja Vidic returns to Manchester United in an ambassadorial role

The retired defender made an official appearance to help announce the club's forthcoming pre-season tour in China

Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic says farewell to Old Trafford in 2014 (Getty Images)

Nemanja Vidic has returned to Manchester United as one of the club’s ambassadors ahead of the pre-season tour to China.

The 34-year-old brought his playing career to an end in January having left Internazionale by mutual consent.

The Serbian defender is fondly remembered as one of the club’s best-ever centre-backs, having formed a formidable partnership at the heart of the back four with Rio Ferdinand.

Vidic’s ambassadorial role with United was confirmed on an official Instagram account, which revealed that he had been helping to announce the forthcoming pre-season tour of China.

"Great to see Nemanja Vidic in United colours again! He's been helping us launch #MUtour in China," the club posted.

United, who can boast of an estimated 107million fans in China, will face Borussia Dortmund in Shanghai on 22 July before coming up against local rivals Manchester City at the Beijing National Stadium three days later.

The pre-season friendlies will be played as part of the International Champions Cup tournament, which will also feature Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City.