Nemanja Vidic says he has embraced the responsibility that comes
with being captain of Manchester United.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson handed the armband to the Serbian at
the start of the season and the team have made an excellent start
to the season.
United reclaimed top spot in the Premier League on Monday by
beating Arsenal and stretching their unbeaten start to the season
to 16 top-flight matches - a club record.
"I feel very proud," Vidic told United Review. "It came as a bit
of a surprise but I am enjoying the role.
"You have to think about your responsibilities - your behaviour,
the way you play, the way you train. I know that I need to set a
good example on and off the pitch.
"In terms of my game I do not think anything has changed. I've
always talked a lot on the pitch. You have to communicate as a
defender and organise things whether you are captain or not.
"I tend not to think about it (the captaincy) when I'm playing.
I am just focused on doing my best for the team as I have always
done."
Vidic insists there are a number of leaders to help him in the
role at Old Trafford.
"The likes of Rio (Ferdinand), Gary (Neville), Giggsy (Ryan
Giggs) Scholesy (Paul Scholes), Edwin (Van der Sar) set the
example," he said.
"The way they help the other players is fantastic. They have
helped me develop and I want to help the younger lads do the
same."
Vidic has a special affinity with his central defensive partner
Ferdinand and added: "Rio and I have a great understanding on the
pitch.
"I also have to say Mladen Krstajic and I had a great
relationship for the Serbian national team.
"I am not being disrespectful to the other players I've played
with, but the results I've achieved with those two players shows
what a good understanding we have. They have both helped me improve
as a player."
Anderson took time to settle in Manchester having joined from
Porto in 2007, where he was the Portuguese side's key player
despite still being in his teens.
However, the sometime Brazil international has produced more
consistent performances this season and has been rewarded with the
new deal.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We are delighted Anderson
has signed a new contract.
"Anderson has developed tremendously since joining the club and
he has fantastic potential at only 22 years of age, he is going to
be a really top player."