Vidic Praises Matic

Nemanja Matic has impressed every Manchester United supporter since joining from Chelsea, including his namesake, compatriot and former Reds skipper Nemanja Vidic.

The giant Serbian midfielder was hardly an unknown quantity to United fans after helping the Blues to win two Premier League titles in three seasons, following his 2014 return from Benfica.

Jose Mourinho declared earlier this month that Matic is his ideal signing and club legend Vidic is also not surprised by the way Nemanja has quickly settled into life at Old Trafford.

The former centre-back, who won 15 major honours in nine seasons with United before leaving in 2014, has held Matic in high regard since they first crossed paths on international duty almost a decade ago.

Speaking exclusively to United Review, Vidic recalled: "I remember him arriving for the Serbian national team for the first time. We were playing a game in Prague against Czech Republic in 2008.

"My first impressions of him were positive – a nice guy, someone good to have around and someone who would be right in the dressing room. Unlike many of the players in the Serbian national side, he did not play for Red Star or Partizan Belgrade at a senior level.

"He's from Sabac, close to Belgrade, but he found his way via football in Slovakia where he was Player of the Year there with Kosice. He was a very talented footballer."

Matic has already slotted seamlessly into a United team which has began the 2017/18 in impressive form and Vidic feels our new signing's experience could be crucial in a potential title challenge.

"He has similar qualities to Michael Carrick, who has been a great player for the club," Vida said. "Michael is now 36; Nemanja is younger at 29 but he's also very experienced. He's been at big clubs, including Benfica and Chelsea, where he's won titles.

"There are not so many players left at Old Trafford who have won the title before, so that trophy-winning mentality is very important because it can't only come from a very successful manager. Nemanja has been there before and he knows what it's like when the pressure really builds in a title race.

"He's a very good signing for us. He's a top player for the position and I'm surprised that Antonio Conte let him go. He played most of their games last season and did really well, so I didn't expect him to be sold to one of their biggest rivals. The way he's played in his first few games suggests he is a United player."

That opinion is clearly echoed by United fans, who have already repurposed Vidic's famous chant for the new no.31 and the 2008 Champions League winner is more than happy to share his song.

"I'm glad United have signed him," the 35-year-old told us. "Firstly because I think he's an excellent player and person, but also because he's from Serbia and called Nemanja – they are very good qualities to have! I've heard that the fans have been singing the song that I had. I loved my song, it was special for me and I hope Nemanja does well and has the fans singing it for him, too. It's great to have that recognition."