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29th Jan 2016

VIDEO: Ten moments that sum up Nemanja Vidic’s contribution to Manchester United

Conor Heneghan

The teak tough defender announced his retirement from football today. He’ll be sorely missed.

The Serbian had been at Inter Milan since the summer of 2014 until his contract was terminated earlier this month, but it is for his contribution to Manchester United during almost a decade at Old Trafford for which he will be remembered.

After a difficult start following his arrival from Spartak Moscow in January 2006, Vidic soon became a cult hero amongst United fans and established himself as one of the best and most fearsome defenders in the Premier League and in Europe.

Tough, incredibly brave and always committed, Vidic was a leader and a natural choice as captain of the club, with whom he won 15 trophies, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.

He also played in every game during Edwin van der Sar’s world record run of 1,311 minutes without conceding a goal in 2009 and formed one of the best central defensive partnerships in the history of the Premier League alongside Rio Ferdinand.

Here are some of the moments for which he’ll be fondly remembered by Man United fans.

Cracking tackle in the lead-up to a Wayne Rooney goal v Arsenal, 2006

Coming off best in a collision with Micah Richards, 2008

Last-minute goal and great celebration v Sunderland, 2008

Typically committed defending v Chelsea, Champions League Final, 2008

Blocking an Emmanuel Adebayor effort with his head, 2009

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Super strike v Aston Villa, 2011

Tackle on Lionel Messi, 2011 Champions League Final

Taking no sh*t from Mario Balotelli, 2011

Ridiculous attempt to block the ball with his head v Swansea, 2013

Big tackle on Kyle Walker, 2013