Date of birth: 28.07.1981
Country: England
Position: Midfield
Vidic does the double
Nemanja Vidic was named Player of the Year by United's fans and his team-mates at the Reds' awards night at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The newly-crowned Premier League champions turned out in style for the gala dinner, a star-studded event in the Manchester Suite.
Vidic collected the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year accolade, voted for by fans on ManUtd.com, and the Players' Player trophy to a standing ovation.
He said: "I'm honoured. It's amazing to get these awards when I consider the quality of the players I play alongside every day. I'd like to say thank you to the fans and to my team-mates.
"I enjoy being here every day and playing with these players and working with the coaches. I'm very happy here at United."
The Serbian was a key figure in the team's title success, the Club World Cup and Carling Cup triumphs, and in reaching the Champions League final.
He wasn't the only winner on the night. Cristiano Ronaldo, who cleaned up with three awards last year, claimed the Goal of the Season accolade for his stunning strike against Porto in the Champions League.
James Chester was named Reserves Player of the Year. The 20-year-old was commanding as second string skipper, and enjoyed a successful loan spell with Peterborough.
Federico Macheda won the Jimmy Murphy Academy Player of the Year, an award justified by his performances at all levels this season.
The highly-rated Italian has scored goals for the Academy and Reserves, while his match-winning strike against Aston Villa remains one of the season's defining moments.
Sir Alex: Now we'll go for 19
Sir Alex Ferguson was naturally delighted after claiming the 11th title of his remarkable tenure at Old Trafford - and the club's 18th overall. Here's the transcript of his first interview following the final whistle against Arsenal...
How nervy was that?
It was the longest 90 minutes in history! But we got there. There was only one save made, by Edwin van der Sar with five minutes left. That tells you it was a cautious match.
Does the fact this title draws you level with Liverpool make it more special?
It will make it more special if we get in front of them. We want to progress with this team which they’re capable of doing. Next year we’re going to go for it again.
When you arrived here, you were 11 titles behind. Can you believe you're level?
They were the greatest side in the land at the time. We built slowly but I never thought we could get eleven titles. Never in a million years. My main aim was to win one. Win the first one and see where it took us and of course we progressed so quickly after that.
Just how good is this current side of yours?
It's a great side, really great, and a great squad. I could have picked two teams today. I had to leave good players out like Scholes, Berbatov and Anderson. It’s not easy.
When Carlos Tevez came off, it looked like an emotional farewell. It looked like he was almost crying in the dug-out. Might that be a good sign for you?
It is a good sign, it’s what we all want to hear. The boy knows we want him to stay. I thought he tired late on but he was playing on his own up front and it’s not easy. We needed a bit of freshness there so there was nothing in it (his substitution) other than that.
When you look back, was there a defining moment of the season for you?
I think against Stoke, at Stoke. Winning that game late on after coming back from Japan was a big challenge to us, a big test and we came through it. That was a great result for us.
How strong was Liverpool’s challenge?
Very good. Their players have done well. They won 4-1 here which was a travesty of a result because I didn’t think it was a 4-1 result. Nonetheless they got great impetus from that. I know it’s hard to defend a 4-1 defeat but I actually thought we played quite well. But we lost four goals to long kicks, long passes and we didn’t recover, we lost the next game. That gave Liverpool the scent and credit to them as they battled away.
You’ve got a day off tomorrow, so will you go on a spying mission to Spain?
No, we’ve got the Player of the Year do tomorrow at Old Trafford so I can’t go. I would love to have gone but my brother will be there (watching Barcelona).
When it’s like this, how can you even contemplate contemplating retirement?
I’m not contemplating, definitely not contemplating. I’ll carry on and I’m going to stay as a manager. My health will tell me when to quit. Let’s pray my health’s this good in five years.
Sir Alex was speaking to Sky Sports.
Ryan revels in home rule
For all his trophies and medals, Ryan Giggs has rarely been able to savour his success in front of a packed Old Trafford. Little surprise, then, that English football's most decorated player was delighted to secure his 11th Premier League title in M16.
While the Reds were jittery and nowhere near their best against Arsenal, the title-tipping point was procured to see off the lingering challenge of second-placed Liverpool - much to Giggs' elation.
"It feels brilliant," Ryan told MUTV. "We've been talking about doing it in front of our own fans, and that's what makes it so special. Not relying on someone else losing or doing it away from Old Trafford, it was brilliant to do it today.
"It was agony for the second half, if I'm honest, and it probably was for the fans as well. The one team you don't want to play against is Arsenal, because they keep the ball so much and they're a top side, and they came to spoil the party. We defended brilliantly as we have done all season and managed to get there."
Giggs has never been one to dwell on his multiple successes, and he is already contemplating the possibility of more silverware next season.
"It's been a special time at the club since the manager took over and we've managed to win so much. Hopefully we can carry that on. I don't think anyone's ever done it (won the league title) four times on the trot before so there's another record that hopefully we can break."
Ronny proud on 'special day'
Cristiano Ronaldo beamed with pride as he reflected on clinching the third Premier League title of his United career.
The Portuguese winger, United's top scorer for a third successive season, revelled in the post-match celebrations after the Reds' draw with Arsenal had given the reigning champions an unassailable lead at the head of the table.
"It's unbelievable, it's a special day," Ronaldo told MUTV. "We've won the league again and now we get to celebrate with our families. I'm enjoying it a lot. It's a fantastic achievement. It's not easy to win three times, the lads worked for that and it's a special, special moment. We have to enjoy the moment."
The Reds' triumph secured an 18th league title, equalling the longstanding record of Liverpool, but Ronaldo admits United need only concentrate on winning more silverware.
"We don't need to care about other teams," he said. "It's always good to be on the top, and we are in a good moment. We've won a few things and this club needs to carry on. It doesn't matter which players are here or which coach is here, the mentality of this club is always to win. I'm looking forward, and proud to be in the history of this team."
With one half of last season's Double now safely retained, United's attentions will now switch to overcoming Barcelona in the Champions League final. Should the Reds reign in Rome, Ronaldo believes this campaign can be held in the fondest regard, admitting: "If we win that then it's an unbelievable year."
Champions again! and Insatiable Sir Alex raises United's sights
As soon as the final whistle brought United's draw with Arsenal to a close, an army of photographers began snapping away as the newly-crowned Barclays Premier League champions celebrated.
Club photographers John and Matt Peters were among those capturing the moment at Old Trafford as Sir Alex Ferguson and his triumphant players toasted title number 18.
As you could see live on MUTV and MUTV Online, the Reds could hardly wait to get the party started. Another party, the Player of the Year Awards, will also be shown live on the club's official television channel and online video service from 19:30 BST on Sunday.
Retirement was the furthest thing from Sir Alex Ferguson's mind as the 67-year-old Manchester United FC manager celebrated an eleventh Premier League title after his side gained the point they needed in a goalless home draw with Arsenal FC on Saturday.
New target
While the Old Trafford faithful acclaimed their heroes – who will meet FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League final on 27 May in Rome – Ferguson was already plotting to take the club past the overall record of 18 English league crowns they now share with arch-rivals Liverpool FC. "It will be more special when we get in front of them," Sir Alex said. "We want to progress with this team, we are capable of doing that, we are a young team and next year we will go for it again."
Strong run
It was United's third championship in a row and Sir Alex assured the club's fans that his thirst for more glory was not quenched just yet. "I'm not contemplating retiring," he added. "I'll carry on, I will stay as a manager and only my health will tell me when to quit." United's title defence looked in trouble two months ago when they were shocked 4-1 at home by Liverpool and followed that with defeat at Fulham. However, they scrambled a stoppage-time win against Aston Villa FC to embark on a seven-match winning streak which kept them above the Merseyside club.
'Unbelievable feeling'
Striker Wayne Rooney, who hit a rich patch of form that coincided with United's run, said: "It's an unbelievable feeling. It was even better this season because Liverpool gave us a great race this year." Before the onset of the Premier League, United lagged eleven titles behind Liverpool and even Sir Alex said he was surprised that they are now level. "When I arrived they were the greatest side in the land," the Scot added. "I never thought we would get eleven titles, not in a million years."
Defining moment
Sir Alex admitted his side had wobbled badly when they lost to Liverpool, but pointed to a gritty 1-0 win at Stoke City FC on 26 December as the defining moment of the season; a victory that came just after his side had returned from winning the FIFA Club World Cup. "Winning that game late on after just getting back from Japan was a big test and we came through it, it was a great result."
Rio's special feeling
The defender missed out through injury on Saturday's 0-0 draw against Arsenal which sealed a hat-trick of league championships for the Reds, but was on hand to collect his winners' medal and join in with the jubilant celebrations at Old Trafford.
This latest triumph is United's eleventh in the Barclays Premier League era, but Ferdinand says the squad remain hungry for more and are determined to overtake Liverpool's longstanding haul.
"There's definitely an added satisfaction to this title win because we've equalled Liverpool's record," admitted the defender.
"It's a really sweet feeling. Overtaking that record is definitely the next aim now."
The players embarked on a lap of honour after being presented with the trophy to acknowledge the unwavering support from the fans.
"The fans travel far and wide and spend a lot of money coming to watch us week in, week out and for a lot of them it’s what they live for," explained Rio.
"We’re very appreciative of their great support and it’s only right we say thank you because without them the club wouldn’t survive. And it really is a genuine thank you.
"We’ve had some great times with the fans this season and hopefully there’s plenty more to follow in the coming seasons."
United 0 Arsenal 0
United are once again champions of England and inevitably, it was achieved the hard way, with a nail-biting goalless draw against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
A tense, nerve-wracking afternoon saw few chances at either at end, as a largely dour match dragged agonisingly to its conclusion. Hearts were in mouths for United fans throughout the afternoon, and never more than when Cesc Fabregas struck the post with six minutes remaining.
Victories over Manchester City and Wigan had the champions six points clear of second-placed Liverpool going into the match, meaning a point would secure a record-equalling 18th league title. Mindful of the dangers of playing for a draw, the Reds were quick out of the traps.
Barely 15 seconds had passed before Cristiano Ronaldo got the better of Kieran Gibbs, exposing the space behind the young full-back to race onto Darren Fletcher’s through-ball. The Portuguese declined to continue his sprint, however, and his cross was cleared before it could reach Ryan Giggs.
That early opening heralded a sustained spell of United pressure, which only served to heighten the expectant buzz which had hummed around Old Trafford long before kick-off.
However, Arsenal, still reeling from their Champions League exit at the hands of United, and the subsequent scrutiny of their silverware drought of recent years, were not at Old Trafford to simply roll over for the champions-elect. Robin van Persie headed wastefully over from Andrey Arshavin’s pinpoint right-wing cross, despite having no United defenders in his immediate vicinity, while it took a last ditch challenge from Jonny Evans to halt an Arshavin run which had bypassed three of the Reds’ backline.
Slowly, United began to find gaps in the Gunners’ midfield and defence, and Wayne Rooney was agonisingly close to opening the scoring after 17 minutes, as he glanced Michael Carrick’s measured back-post cross narrowly past the upright.
From there, chances were few and far between for either side. United found Arsenal’s reshuffled backline hard to penetrate, while the visitors struggled to find the killer ball to crown their impressive approach play.
Giggs drilled over the bar from a difficult angle, but the half ended on a nervous note for United as Samir Nasri lashed a half-cleared corner goalwards. The Frenchman’s effort was heading off target, but could have deviated anywhere as it hit the unmarked van Persie. Fortunately for the Reds, the loose ball fell kindly and Nemanja Vidic was able to clear.
At the break, United had the required point to seal the title. However, the growing air of nervousness inside Old Trafford suggested a foreboding that Arsenal, with no great motivation of their own, could still gatecrash the party.
The Gunners were clearly in the mood to do so. The second half was barely underway when Cesc Fabregas was booked for following through on Evra. Moments later van Persie, already booked for hacking Ronaldo down, also caught the Frenchman. Referee Mike Dean lectured the Dutchman on his behaviour, before promptly booking Nasri for a cynical trip, again on the battered and bruised Evra.
As if to add a more dramatic backdrop to the now simmering atmosphere, proceedings were subjected to a brief, but torrential downpour which the the turf further zip. Both sides continued to pop passes around, regardless of the saturated conditions, and United's first clear chance of the game was quickly forthcoming.
Giggs' cross from the right wing found Tevez, who rolled Kolo Toure but was quickly pressurised by goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. The Argentine was unable to fire shot off, and Ronaldo blazed the rebound high into the Stretford End.
Arsenal were still retaining possession with more authority than their hosts, and Sir Alex Ferguson responded by throwing Ji-sung Park into the fray, at the expense of Tevez. The Korean soon had the ball in the Arsenal net, bursting through and swapping passes with Ronaldo before tapping in, only for the goal to be ruled offside. To the naked eye it was comfortably the right decision, only for television replays to reveal that Ronaldo had been played onside by Bacary Sagna.
A goal would have lifted all the growing tension on and around the field, but instead it was allowed to fester as United dropped deep, looking to counter as Arsenal pressed for a heartbreaking winner.
It meant the game was increasingly being watched between parted fingers for plenty of United fans, although hands were briefly transferred to heads when Ronaldo, felled after a lightning breakaway, drilled a free-kick fractionally past Fabianski's top left-hand corner.
Arsenal came even closer with six minutes remaining. Another fine build-up culminated in the ball reaching Fabregas, and the Spaniard's shot took the merest of flicks from Edwin van der Sar's fingertips before rattling against the outside of the post.
United were, by now, simply running down the clock. There was just about time for one last scare as Rooney was ruled to have fouled Sagna on the edge of the area, only for van Persie's free-kick to flick wide of the far post.
The final whistle prompted delirium among the fans who could finally exhale. Once again, success had been reached. Once again, United had straddled a knife-edge all the way there.
The title in two minutes
It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. We’re not holding our breath, but one day the facts – a popular word this season – might stack up enough for the penny to drop elsewhere. Cast your minds back to 1998/99. Notice any similarities? In that season United won two of the opening five games. Crisis, they said. Whatever. Last season? Slow start. This season? Slow start. There’s a pattern emerging.
Chelsea, under ‘Big Phil’ Scolari, made hay in the early-season sunshine. A(nother) new dawn broke over Eastlands. And Liverpool stirred their loins. All the while we waited in the wings, and when the supporting cast had delivered their best lines and started to ad lib, the leading men assumed centre stage, parts learned off by heart, roles well-defined and well-rehearsed. Lights, camera, action!
By October’s end and a 2-0 victory over West Ham – in which the newly-crowned World Footballer of the Year (Ronny, who else?) bagged his first league brace of the campaign – the boss had started to talk about “a momentum that I believe will take some stopping”. New boys Hull showed the teeth that had characterised the Tigers’ pre-Christmas campaign, leaving Old Trafford after a spirited 4-3 defeat, but, to quote the bard of Stretford, Morrissey, November spawned a monster – especially if you happened to be an opposing striker. For the 13 league games after the 2-1 reverse at Arsenal that followed Hull, our defence turned away all-comers, setting a British record shut-out of 1,311 minutes into the bargain.
To prove we’re not just take, take, take, we even offered Newcastle fans a rare moment of cheer as Peter Lovenkrands put the ball past Edwin van der Sar – the first time we’d gone behind since January. But in between, we’d won at Eastlands, returned from Japan with the Club World Cup, battered Stoke 5-0 (ton-up for Ronny), and made the Champions League knockout stage as group winners. Paul Scholes was back in the fold and the next generation had taken us to the Carling Cup final. Phew.
And so, here we are: champions once again. It wasn’t a sprint, it was a marathon, but we entered the final straight, firing on all cylinders to reach our third title in a row for the second time under Sir Alex Ferguson – something no English club has achieved before. Brilliant season? That’s a fact.
18 Reasons: Part 1
United are champions of England for a record-equalling 18th time! Here are 18 reasons why, in no particular order...
1. The reinvention of Ryan
When he finally hangs up his boots, Ryan Giggs will be remembered as one of the best left wingers to ever play the game. But this term he’s been inspirational in the centre of midfield, where his cool head and ability to pick the perfect pass has done untold damage to opposition defences. His form wasn’t lost on his fellow professionals, either: in May he was voted the PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
2. That boy Macheda
Every 17-year old dreams of scoring an injury-time winner on his debut in front of the Stretford End, but Federico Macheda actually did it. With time slipping away against Aston Villa, the Italian took one exquisite touch before curling an unstoppable shot past Brad Friedel and into the far corner. Cue pandemonium in the stands as the teenager became an instant hero. And as if that wasn’t enough, six days later he came off the bench again to score the winner at Sunderland. Magnifico!
3. He comes from Serbia
Hotly tipped to win United’s Player of the Season award, Nemanja Vidic has been outstanding this term. He was the only constant feature of the Reds’ back four during the record-breaking clean-sheet run and also chipped in with valuable goals at the other end (remember Sunderland at home in the last minute?). Of course, he’ll want to forget Liverpool’s opening goal at OT, but that mistake merely proved he’s human after all...
4. Keeping it clean
You don’t win football matches if the opposition score more goals, so the best platform you can give yourself is to keep a clean sheet. The Reds did just that in 14 consecutive league games between 8 November and 18 February, setting a new English record in the process. In fact, by the time Blackburn’s Roque Santa Cruz poked the ball past Tomasz Kuszczak at OT, the Reds had gone 1334 minutes without conceding a league goal. The word “watertight” springs to mind.
5. Home rule
When Liverpool take stock of where it all went wrong they’ll probably point to the number of points dropped at Anfield (12 prior to the final day). But while Rafa’s men were drawing at home to the likes of Stoke and Fulham, United’s only Old Trafford wobbles came against Newcastle (1-1), Liverpool (1-4) and Arsenal (0-0, when a point won the title).
6. A day to forget
Most Reds would prefer to erase this fixture from their minds but there’s no denying the role it played in United’s title charge. Losing 4-1 at home to your biggest rivals is never enjoyable, but at least it brought everyone back down to earth at a time when some fans and members of the press were starting to think an 18th title was a mere formality. A timely reminder that you can’t take anything for granted in football.
7. Sharing it around
All successful teams contain at least one forward who bangs in goals for fun. For the Reds, Ronaldo and Rooney have hit the back of the net more than most, but they’re just two of 15 United players to get on the scoresheet in the league in 08/09. It’s a terrifying thought if you’re an opposition defender... and the perfect riposte to those critics at the beginning of the season who claimed the Reds relied too heavily on Ronaldo’s goals.
8. That winning feeling
Far from disrupt the Reds’ momentum, act as a distraction or tire players out, the trip to Japan in December for the FIFA Club World Cup simply energised United and made the players hungrier for more success. The returning world champions won 19 of the next 20 fixtures after touching down back in England, beginning with a gritty 1-0 win over Stoke City on Boxing Day.
9. The fab four
On more than one occasion this season Sir Alex has admitted to "selection headaches” when it comes to his forward line. Managers around the country often spend Friday afternoons sweating over the fitness or form of their star striker, but Sir Alex has the “luxury” of deciding who to leave out. Carlos Tevez offers industry and energy, Dimitar Berbatov sublime control and the ability to bring others into the game. Wayne Rooney feeds others as well as he finds the net himself, while Cristiano Ronaldo has proved he’s just as effective up front as he is on the wing. Of course, sometimes not even Sir Alex can choose and plays all four at once! Well, can you blame him?
The title race in quotes
The 2008/09 campaign can be most succinctly described by those closest to the action; here's our pick of the season's soundbites…
“The gaffer insists on good defending, but sometimes there's not much defending to do."
Jonny Evans shows his stargazing powers following the 3-0 win over Celtic in October. The Reds would soon embark on a British league-record 1,311-minute shutout
“It’s scary. You spend all week discussing tactics, but when a team is that good, you can’t do anything about it.”
Blackburn boss Paul Ince reflects on losing 2-0 at home to United in October
“Berbatov's play for the second goal was absolutely magnificent. You'd pay double the money to watch that."
Sir Alex marvels at the Bulgarian’s stupendous touchline wizardry against West Ham in October
“Once the prayer mats have been left in the dressing-room, it’ll be a case of defending in numbers, stubbornness, organisation, discipline and a lot of luck.”
Stoke’s Ricardo Fuller gives us the lowdown on Stoke City’s prep in November. United won 5-0
“I’ve been doodling on my pad, trying to see how I can fit all these players in. People ask me what I consider to be my best side, and the short answer is that I don’t have one.”
Sir Alex's oft-experienced selection headache ruins Christmas
“When you're in the tunnel and you hear on the speakers: ‘Please welcome the champions of England, the champions of Europe and the champions of the world...’ you believe that you're going to crush anybody that's in your way. I get goose bumps every time I walk out at Old Trafford.”
Dimitar Berbatov gets the sweetest chill in January
“He has a wonderful velvet touch; the ball goes stone dead when he gets it. In the midst of all the mayhem it's wonder to see."
Sir Alex lauds Paul Scholes on his 600th appearance for the Reds in April
“I probably wouldn’t have believed them if they’d said I’d play one game for United or score one goal. Numbers don’t really matter. I’ve just been lucky to play for a great club that happen to be my local club.”
Typical understatement from Scholes himself in April
“I don’t know about playing as well as I have done, that’s for other people to judge.”
And the jury was in favour. Ryan Giggs, shortly before being named PFA Player of the Year, for the first time, February
“Everyone thinks the money will make the job easier for Mark Hughes, but I don't."
Paddy Crerand looks into his crystal ball as the curtain opens on the new campaign
“At United, you learn from the best."
Kiko Macheda in November. His first examination at senior level was passed with flying colours five months down the line as his red arrow pierced Villa hearts.
“Scoring in front of the Stretford End is a dream for every boy from Manchester.”
Danny Welbeck reflects on his first United goal against Stoke in November
“Yes, we take terrible risks, but there's always a chance we'll win the match."
Sir Alex sums up the essence of Manchester United after the 3-2 win over Villa in April
“I did not think I would reach this level so quickly. But I always believed in my talent.”
The last word from Cristiano Ronaldo on his FIFA World Player of the Year award, November.
Player of Year Awards
MUTV and MUTV Online are giving you exclusive access to the most prestigious event in the Old Trafford calendar, the club's Player of the Year Awards.
As well as reviewing the team’s performances across the 2008/09 season, this event rewards the campaign's outstanding individuals.
This momentous celebration takes place on Sunday 17 May - if you're not one of the lucky ones who managed to get tickets for the awards night at Old Trafford, you can still watch it live and exclusive on MUTV or MUTV Online from 19:30 BST.
Join Sir Alex Ferguson and his star-studded squad as they find out who the fans voted for as the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year. See everything as it happens, including the presentation of the Players' Player, Reserve Player and Young Player of the Year trophies. You'll also see the first team's fantastic strikes of 2008/09 and discover which one was named Goal of the Season by supporters voting on ManUtd.com.
As anyone who watched last year's event live on MUTV Online will tell you, the Player of the Year Awards promises to be a must-see show for any supporter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
