Nemanja Vidić

After playing two seasons at Spartak Moscow, Vidić signed for Manchester United for a reported fee of around £7 million on January 5, 2006; two and a half years after Manchester United's reported interest in him. He was assigned the number 15 shirt and made his debut for Manchester United as a substitute for Ruud van Nistelrooy in the dying minutes of Manchester United's 2-1 win in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Blackburn Rovers on January 25, 2006.

During the 2006-07 Premier league season, Vidić formed a partnership with Rio Ferdinand in the centre of defence, which has since become one of the most prominent partnerships in English football, and has become an established first team player. In his first full season playing for Manchester United he made 25 appearances in the Premier league and ended the season winning his first league amedal.

Vidić scored his first ever goal for Manchester United on October 14, 2006 against Wigan Athletic - United went on to win 3-1.He scored his second goal in a 3-0 win over Portsmouth on November 4, his first goal at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium.He scored his first Champions League goal for Manchester United against S.L. Benfica on December 6 in the group stages; a match which Manchester United won 3-1.

Praised for his aggressive no-nonsense defensive style, he is now recognised as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and in Europe. Nicknamed Vida by his Manchester United teammates, he is highly regarded for his physical presence, heading ability in both defence and at attacking set pieces, as well as his bravery. Because of this, he enjoys a cult status among United faithfuland is often compared to former Manchester United defender Steve Bruce for having similar characteristics.

Vidic won Serbia's Overseas Player of the Year award for 2005, playing for Spartak Moscow, a poll of the captains of the 16 clubs in the Serbian Superliga that is organized annually (the first award was given in 1970) by daily newspaper Večernje novosti. He was once again the recipient of the award for 2007, this time playing for Manchester United. He was named in the 2006-07 and 2007-08 PFA Premiership Team of the Season. In addition, he was shortlisted for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 UEFA European Club Defender of the Year and was also shortlisted for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 FIFPro World XI player award and also for the 2008 Ballon d'Or award.

On November 8, 2007, Vidic signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at Manchester United until 2012.

In his second full season at Manchester United he earned his second Premier League medal in succession (making 32 appearances in the process) and won his first UEFA Champions League medal.

Source: Nemanja Vidic (wikipedia)