Transfer news – Vidic’s United future unsure, admits Ferguson
Published:Nemanja Vidic’s career at Old Trafford looks increasingly doubtful after Sir Alex Ferguson said he “can’t clarify” whether the Serbian will still be a Manchester United player at the start of the season.
United are 2/1 to win the Premier League.
When asked about speculation linking the 28-year-old defender with a move to Spain, the United boss was evasive.
“I can’t clarify it at all,” Ferguson said. When pressed on whether Vidic would play for the Red Devils this season, Ferguson replied: “I believe so.”
Reports of a potential move away from Manchester for Vidic have persisted for some time now, but this is the first time the United manager has commented in a negative manner.
The Scot was speaking at a press conference following United’s win over Philadelphia Union and while it’s true he uses such platforms as a way of manipulating the media, he is usually unequivocal in dismissing incorrect transfer rumours.
The player is said to be unhappy at the lack of a pay rise this season and his wife has spoken of her dislike of the north-west of England. Real Madrid, 4/1 to win the Champions League, have expressed a keen interest.
The loss of Vidic, who last year said he had “every intention” of seeing out his contract to 2012, would be huge.
With Rio Ferdinand’s injuries he has become the most consistent central defender at the club and is of an age when defenders tend to peak.
Despite the addition of Chris Smalling United’s defence would look vulnerable without the Serbian.
Jonny Evans is improving each year but with Ferdinand’s problems not going away a situation similar to last season, when Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick were forced to play at centre-back, would be a risk.
A massive eight injuries at once was the cause of that unlikely pairing but if Vidic leaves Ferguson could get an ugly sense of deja vu.
Would Manchester United be able to overcome the loss of Vidic? They are 6/1 to win the Champions League.
