Vidic names unsung hero in legendary United backline
There was an unsung hero behind Nemanja Vidic’s legendary central defensive partnership with Rio Ferdinand, claims the Serbian.
The former centre-back says that Edwin van der Sar’s experience and understanding helped the pair gel so well together.
"So much is said about the partnership Rio and I had, but I have to mention the role that Edwin played in our relationship. He was a big part of it," Vidic told United’s official website .
"He was experienced, really good on the ball and he was always there as well. He could see the whole pitch and he was there to help. If I didn’t see something or Rio didn’t see something, he was there to help.
"What’s important with Ed, he was 34 or 35 when he came to United, I think, so he already had so much experience. What’s important for us as defenders is to trust your goalkeeper, and we trusted Ed.”
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United contact Gabriel Magalhaes' agent - report
Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs this summer, including Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton - and Manchester United could be set to compete for his signature.
That’s according to French outlet RMC Sport , who claim that United have made contact with the agent of the 22-year-old Brazilian.
However, MEN Sport understands Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is satisfied with his current crop of defenders and isn’t prioritising strengthening his backline in the current window.
Opinion: Pogba’s true importance at Old Trafford about to be revealed
The MEN's senior football writer Tyrone Marshall has taken a look at Paul Pogba’s last 12 months at United.
The France international, a World Cup winner, has been a constant source of scrutiny and judgement during his four seasons at Old Trafford. But after an injury-hit season, he largely escaped criticism during his return for the run-in as United secured a top-three finish.
With his injury woes behind him and an exit this summer appearing unlikely, United are set to find out exactly how important Pogba can be next season, having spent the vast majority of last term on the sidelines.
The 27-year-old has looked comfortable in a midfield three with Nemanja Matic and January recruit Bruno Fernandes in recent weeks, suggesting United could finally see him regain the form that saw him regularly win Serie A titles as a mainstay of Juventus’ midfield.
