Nemanja Vidic Set to Rejoin Red Devils
Just when Manchester United's defence seemed to be falling apart into a thousand pieces, it now looks like the Red Devils will go calling for the services of one recently departed club legend to help them out— former team captain, Nemanja Vidic.
Metro claims the big Serbian will make a dramatic move back to Old Trafford after his time in Italy is due to be prematurely cut short by Inter Milan, who wish to offload the defender.
The newspaper comments Vidic has made a number of "high-profile mistakes" since joining the San Siro club, and Inter are now willing to do business with United if they want Vidic back. New boss Roberto Mancini does not see Vidic as part of his plans and would happily sell the 33-year-old, as reported by Tuttosport (h/t Metro).
Louis van Gaal will only have to pay a nominal fee to get his man, per Metro, and complete one of the surprise transfers of the January window.
Vidic has featured in nine of Inter's 11 Serie A matches this season, per WhoScored.com, but the former league champions only sit in ninth position after winning just four league games.
But GianlucaDiMarzio.com columnist David Amoyal believes the installation of Mancini could help Vidic at Inter, if the former Manchester City boss reverts to a back four in his defence:
Amoyal also quotes United captain Wayne Rooney speaking about Vidic in the press, after the Merseysider took one step closer to Bobby Charlton's England goalscoring record.
Rooney says Vidic has been a huge influence on him, making you believe that the defender would be welcomed back to United with open arms: "I've played with great captains like Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Nemanja Vidic, they had different leadership qualities. I will try to get the best from all of them for my new role [as captain]."
Vidic's return to United would both be two steps forward and one step back. There is no doubt United are in need of a centre-back, and if they cannot attract the likes of Mats Hummels in the short term, then Vidic is a very good stopgap.
But there was a reason that United were prepared to let their former skipper go at the end of the last campaign—and that is because he is well past his prime.
Despite being a powerful individual still, his turn of pace has gone—leaving his defensive partner in a world of trouble if the opposition attack get in behind.
But the Red Devils could do with a leader and animal who knows how to win. Vidic could still do a job in United's squad for the rest of the season, but he is by no means a solution to the bigger issues at the club.
Van Gaal can use him to guide his young defenders and give advice to the likes of Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett—who will worship at the alter of Vidic after growing up watching him play.
And if Vidic can roll back the years and find some sort of consistency, whatever price Van Gaal pays for him will be good value.
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