Vidic keen to have final say for United
Published:
FRUSTRATED defender Nemanja Vidic has warned Tottenham to watch out if he gets a chance to score in Sunday’s Carling Cup final.
The Manchester United star might be in line to scoop the PFA Player of the Year prize for his exploits in the Red Devils’ record-breaking defensive efforts this season.
But Vidic admits nothing quite beats the thrill of making the net bulge.
It is a feat he has managed six times already this term, including priceless efforts against Sunderland and Chelsea.
And, having missed out on United’s crunch Champions League encounter with Inter Milan due to suspension, Vidic is eager to make amends.
“I love that feeling when you score,” he said.
“It is fantastic as a defender because it is not one of your main jobs.
“I always try to score when I can by taking up good positions in the box and going up for corners. If you get lucky, it is brilliant.”
Goals are not Vidic’s main job, of course. It is the flawless nature of his defending that has really caught the eye this term.
And, while team-mate Ryan Giggs may be an emotional choice, on the pure definition of the term, Vidic has few rivals to the Player of the Year crown.
Such adulation is rare for defenders, especially at United, where Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney create a lot of the headlines.
But Vidic is happy to accept any plaudits that come his way.
The Serbia star said: “Why not enjoy the limelight?
“You play football to do the best you can and try to improve yourself in every game and training session.
“The aim is to do well and get the team flying high.”
Vidic’s imposing presence is another major weapon in his armoury.
Few relish a one-on-one battle with the former Spartak Moscow defender, signed on Christmas Day 2005 for £7.2 million.
Yet it is not a part of his game that Vidic particularly works on; it is more that he will not shirk a challenge if it is offered.
“I don’t think it is just about the physical game,” he said.
“It is about sticking to your defending and winning the battle.”
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