What Does Vidic Think Of Mourinho's United?

Nemanja Vidic is among the most successful captains in Manchester United history and his opinion carries a lot of weight, particularly when offering his thoughts on the current regime.

That’s exactly why we picked his brain during an exclusive interview at the launch of Tour 2017, presented by Aon, to gather his views on Jose Mourinho, this season and his standout players...

MOURINHO KNOWS WHAT HE’S DOING
"We are not in the position we would like to be of course but we are fighting for the Champions League," said Vidic. "Before the season you always think United should compete for the title but it is not easy. Mourinho came and brought in four players, but to build a winning team you need time, six months is not enough, but I do believe the team is growing. Mourinho has been in charge of big teams and won trophies in different countries so he has experience and I believe he knows what he is doing. I am looking forward to next season. But this season realistically if we can get Champions League and the cup we won already then we have to be satisfied this year."

ZLATAN HAS GREAT PRESENCE
"I always knew that he was a top player," Nemanja told us. "I played a few times against him - he has played at different clubs, won many trophies and scored goals everywhere so it was not a surprise to me that he is scoring goals. But to be 35 years of age and fit to play every match… English football is different but he adapted fast and in general he has been consistent the whole season so I am really impressed by him especially the mentality that he still has and the hunger to play and score goals.

"At 35 years of age that is not easy because I am 35 and, to be fair, I am a bit tired of football and I need some times off to rest, but he seems like he is still enjoying playing football and that he feels good on the pitch. It’s good for the club and I hope that he will continue to be fit and will perform like he has been for most of the season. I admire his presence. He is good with the ball and he is good in the build ups and of course when he is in the box he is a threat. To be fair he was never counting on speed as a player and that is a positive sign that he can do well again next year."

LEARN FROM CARRICK AND ROONEY
"When I look at the squad I like to think more about the players who have been there many years," Vida said. "Michael Carrick is a good character, a good example and very professional. He always puts the team in front of his individual game and it is important to have these players. Of course Wayne Rooney is not the player he was 10 years ago but that’s down to the many miles he has in his legs, but he can still produce some very good football. Those players who have been there for many years and won many trophies are players that you can still learn from. Those players have helped the others to settle."

VALENCIA IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITES
"I love Valencia and I have to say he was one of my favourite players because he is honest and always gives his best," Vidic explained. "He is good on the ball, strong and fast and he can play in different positions so he is a great player. I hope he will play for many more years on the level he is at now especially after the injury he had. It’s not easy to come back after that so that shows his character and the spirit he has. He has played many games this season and has been consistent and is a good player. He is one of the strongest players. He has both speed and strength, so it is not easy to play against him."

BAILLY HAS GREAT POTENTIAL
"Eric started very well," he opined. "With Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and him, those three players can all become good partners and learn from each other. If they have good communication they can create a good partnership. The most important thing for defenders on the pitch is to have good communication and to speak about the problems. They have talent and individual qualities, but they have to put them all together. They have space for improvement but the team has had a few injuries, so it’s not easy for them.

"I like Eric’s aggression. It is important for a defender. He is young but confident on the ball. Sometimes he gives away some chances but I think it is important to have courage to play at the back. He still has space to improve and he is at a great club where he has all the tools to improve so I believe he is going to be here at the club for many years and hopefully help the club to win trophies."