Vidic's imminent departure is a blessing for Manchester United

Vidic has been with Manchester United for 8 years

It had been speculated for quite a while but it was finally confirmed by the player himself yesterday – Nemanja Vidic is going to leave Manchester United for Inter Milan in the summer. The burly defender is not deserting Manchester United because of the difficult times they are currently going through under new manager David Moyes. The Serb simply wants a new challenge in another country as he enters the twilight years of his football career.

The defender is making the right decision by choosing to leave now. Vidic has been brilliant ever since he put on that famous red shirt and is still one of United’s most consistent players but age catches up with everyone and its best to quit when you’re ahead.

The captain has been a faithful servant to Manchester United all these years helping them win a total 0f 15 trophies along with establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the world. Vidic, who is a fan favorite, has had his past couple of seasons hampered by recurring injuries and has usually left a gaping hole in the defense during his absence. Whoever take’s the burly Serb’s place next season will have some enormous boots to fill.

Sir Alex Ferguson signed the center back for £7 million on Christmas day way back in 2006 which turned out to be one of the biggest bargains in transfer history. Vidic former an extremely fruitful partnership with Rio Ferdinand which was considered as the best in the world at one time. Unlike Vidic, Ferdinand’s influence at the back began to wane last season and has now almost completely disappeared from the United line-up.

Vidic still has a few good years left in him but will have no place in Manchester United in the future as David Moyes wants to rebuild the team with fresh young talent. The 32-year-old holds Manchester United very close to his heart and has chosen not to move to a Premier League club. This gesture will add to Vidic’s cult status among the Old Trafford faithful.

Inter Milan is the perfect place for him as it is a huge club and Vidic is still capable of playing at the top. Injuries and a three match ban is the only reason for Vidic’s absence in recent games. Moyes would have still wanted to use him to the fullest before his departure in the summer.

Nemanja’s presence will certainly be missed at Manchester United. Very few modern defenders have such a command at the back. Fans will not forget the remarkable record of 14 clean sheets he and Ferdinand kept in the 2008-2009 season anytime soon. Vidic’s aggression also came in handy on numerous occasions but also earned him quite a few red cards. Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra will almost certainly follow Vidic towards the exit door at United which will be the beginning of the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s era at Old Trafford.

When it comes to who can have a big impact in the heart of United’s defense much like Vidic did only one name comes to mind and that is Phil Jones. The young defender possess qualities which are similar to Vidic’s but has more technical ability than the Serbian. Jones was excellent against Stoke City before he was injured which gave a clear indication that his best position was in the heart of defense and not anywhere else.

Manchester United will most likely got trophy-less this season which will deprive Vidic of a deserved fairy tale ending. Even though he will no longer be a Manchester United player after this season the clubs fans will always have a special place for their number 15.