Nemanja Vidic's Vow to Manchester United Integral to Development of Future Heirs

Lots of people get married. They have lavish ceremonies, sign the marriage register, and hopefully, live a life of perfect wonderment with their new companion. The wedding is a culmination of pursuing a person of (romantic) interest, courting them and finally making sure they never leave you. They do this because they feel happy with their significant other and are willing to commit to them for the foreseeable future.

It is was with much joy this week then, that Nemanja Vidic decided to renew his vows with Manchester United. 

The Serbian defender has been the victim of media speculation lately, with many believing that he wants to play alongside good friend Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid or at rivals Manchester City, who are in desperate need of defensive help.

Who knew that Vidic was so unhappy in his marriage to Manchester United? After an initial rough patch to start his United career, Sir Alex Ferguson was able to turn him into a formidable centre half that could cope with the rigors of Premier League Football. His success at United has seen him win Premier League, Carling Cup, and Champions League medals.

According to the media, this honeymoon period is over. With his wife reportedly hating life in England, mounting debts at the club and Ferguson appearing annoyed at Vidic's alleged lack of commitment to play after sustaining injury, it had looked like a divorce was soon forthcoming.

However, Vidic's recent comments are not just good news for the United supporters who idolise him.

Although Vidic's partnership with Rio Ferdinand has been heralded as the best since Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister, it is his individual talents and experience that will stand in good stead for United, as they look to shape their next defensive duo.

Despite Vidic's injury woes this season, United have in fact benefited by giving Irish defender Jonny Evans an extended period in the first team. The youngster has since played in several demanding fixtures, particularly in recent matches away to Arsenal and AC Milan.

However, if his flawed performance against Milan is anything to go by, Evans is still in need of that added experience that will turn him into the intelligent leader that he will need to be in order to direct United's defence in the next several years.

Vidic's continued presence in the United squad is integral to the development of Evans and new recruit Chris Smalling, who will join the squad next season once he completes his tenure at Fulham. With Rio Ferdinand's persistent back problems and Vidic's desire to place his body on the line for the team, there needs to be adequate replacements at Fergie's disposal.

Although Vidic is relatively young, United need youth to ensure a successful period of domestic and European domination in the future. Vidic's experience as a regular centre back is extremely valuable to Evans and Smalling who have yet to play significant games in Europe or on the world stage at International level.

As such, United and Vidic need each other. Their marriage has been a success, rich with wonderful memories. At United, Vidic is able to realise his ambitions and win trophies whilst United are able to gain the profits of winning titles and participating in European competition.

The departure of Vidic to Real Madrid or Manchester City in the summer would only serve to jeopardise United's future success. In leaving, Vidic would force Ferguson to hand over the reigns to Evans and Smalling whilst they are still in their infancy, devoid of the experience that Vidic possesses.

However, all marriages expire, either by divorce or by death. The reproduction of new life is supposed to guarantee future success of the family line and with it, ever-lasting memories. The same can be applied to any club as it tries to secure its dominance at the top of the table.

Vidic's desire to remain at Old Trafford will ensure that the team's new kids will learn from playing with the 28-year-old and enjoy the riches of playing for the Red Devils as Fergie looks to a future without Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, and his reliable Serb.

Evans and Smalling are the future heirs to United's future at the centre of defence. With Vidic's help, United will hope that the transition from seasoned veteran to young pretenders is an easy one.

The marriage isn't quite over yet, but Vidic's desire to remain a United player will make sure that passing the torch to the next line of centre backs is done with confidence rather than premature action.