Ferguson hails new Utd captain Vidic

Last updated : 02 November 2010 By Footymad News

The decision was a surprise to many but as alternative choices Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand all missed the trip to Turkey for Tuesday night's Champions League encounter with Bursaspor, it appears Ferguson made the correct decision to go with Vidic, who is already proving to be a sturdy leader.

"We had to choose someone we felt was going to be fit and playing every week," said Ferguson. "That is difficult when you rotate the squad the way we do. We felt Vidic was closest to that. And he is a defender and I always think they make better captains."

Vidic will lead his side into battle on Tuesday evening knowing victory against a team that has failed to register a single point in their three outings so far - and were beaten by Nani's early strike at Old Trafford a fortnight ago - will take them within touching distance of a spot in the last 16.

As Chelsea and Arsenal are in equally comfortable positions, it has been used as evidence of the Champions League reducing in quality. Ferguson is having none of it.

"Have you seen the last six World Cups? It is better going to the dentist I suppose," he said.

"It is a natural thing. If you look at the great teams in the European Cup now and think of the Premier League, you are not going to get the same crowd for Arsenal playing a lower team in the league, or the same tension and drama as you would Arsenal against Manchester United.

"It is the same in the Champions League. Inter Milan playing one of the smaller teams will not get the same crowd.

"The important thing is the Champions League has proved itself since its inception. It is better than the World Cup. It is unbelievable. There are some fantastic games.

"Yes, you have to get through the group stages before you get to the really exciting stage but it is a fantastic tournament."

Date of birth
Wednesday, 21st October 1981
Height
6ft 2in
Place of birth
Uzice, Serbia
Weight
13st 3lb
International
Serbia
Position
Defender
Comments
 
Squad No.
15
Recent Career History By Club (1999 onwards)
Team
Debut Apps (+ sub) Goals Yellows Reds
 
25 Jan 2006 190 (7) 14 43 3
Recent Career History By Season (1999 onwards)
Season
First App. Apps (+ sub) Goals Yellows Reds
 
08 Aug 2010 13 (0) 2 2 0
22 Aug 2009 33 (0) 1 11 1
10 Aug 2008 50 (3) 6 9 2
05 Aug 2007 45 (0) 1 6 0
23 Sep 2006 38 (0) 4 10 0
25 Jan 2006 11 (4) 0 5 0
Appearances 190 (+ 7 as sub); Goals 14; Yellow cards 43; Red cards 3

 

 

Source: PA

Source: PA