Although Vidic never gave any impression of knowing
where the stories about his apparent discontent in Manchester had
come from, they never went away and both AC Milan and Real Madrid
were said to be showing an interest in the 28-year-old after the
World Cup this summer.
However, United chief executive David Gill sprung a surprise
during the club's pre-season tour of North America when he
confirmed that Vidic, who was not present, had agreed outline terms
on a new contract.
The finishing touches have now been made, leaving Ferguson glad
to have Vidic around until 2014.
"We are delighted Nemanja has committed his future to the club,"
he said. "This kills all the silly speculation over the past few
months.
"Nemanja has developed into one of the best centre-halves in
Europe and we are pleased he will be here for many years to
come."
Vidic holds a notable place in United's history because his
arrival from Spartak Moscow in a £7.2million deal was announced on
Christmas Day 2005.
Although he endured a difficult transition to the Premier
League, Vidic eventually found his feet and has gone on to become
one of the best defenders in the world.
Famed for his strength and no-nonsense approach to keeping
forwards at bay, the only opponent he has consistently had trouble
against is Liverpool's Fernando Torres.
Vidic was a central figure in each of United's three successive
title wins and their Champions League triumph over Chelsea in
2008.
With Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville missing and Ryan Giggs
starting on the substitutes' bench, Vidic has skippered United this
term and led the Old Trafford outfit to their Community Shield
triumph over Chelsea at Wembley earlier this month.
"I am very happy to sign this contract," he said. "I came to
this club when I was young and have developed enormously with the
help of the manager, coaching staff and my team-mates.
"During my time here we have had a lot of success and I look
forward to continuing that success in the coming seasons."
