Sir Bobby Salutes 'Brilliant' Vidic

Sir Bobby Charlton has described Nemanja Vidic as the 'envy' of the Barclays Premier League after the Serbian defender deservedly scooped two Player of the Year Awards on Sunday night.

Vidic played a huge part in the Reds' title success and Sir Bobby believes the 27-year-old defender is a worthy winner of the accolades usually reserved for attacking players.

"It’s normally the glamour players who get these prizes, but Nemanja deserves this,” Sir Bobby told ManUtd.com.

“He has been such an influence. He is the envy of the whole league and he has been a brilliant, brilliant player for us.”

Vidic has proved a solid presence at the back - helping United to notch up 34 clean sheets in the 52 games he has featured in so far this season - while his versatility and keen eye for goal has yielded six goals in all competitions.

Scorer of the first goal in January's 3-0 demolition of Chelsea, Vida also grabbed a crucial winner against Sunderland in December and netted what proved to be the deciding goal in November’s thrilling 4-3 home victory over Hull.

Sir Bobby is particularly impressed with the Serbian’s aerial ability, believing his heading prowess to be the trait that sets him apart from others.

"Nemanja is unbelievable in the air,” said Sir Bobby.

“He wins absolutely everything. He is so powerful and brave, and he has a fantastic leap to get above the strikers. And he also comes up for set-pieces and scores goals.

"As a defender he makes the full-backs, the goalkeeper and the midfielders in front of him all feel secure. He is a player you can depend on and put your trust in, and that’s important.

"I like that he doesn’t try to do too much, he sticks to his task of defending, and does that job very well.

"It’s hard for me to imagine that Manchester United would be congratulated and lauded for our defensive capabilities. We’re not supposed to be defensive! But alongside Rio Ferdinand or young Jonny Evans, Nemanja has dominated our area this season, and you also have to give credit to Edwin van der Sar and his other colleagues in defence."