Nemanja Vidic reveals Sir Alex Ferguson's greatest strengths

By Sean Walsh

Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has revealed what life was like playing under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Vidic joined the Red Devils in 2006 from Spartak Moscow with relatively little fanfare, but quickly established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Europe.

With United he won five Premier League titles, three League Cups, a UEFA Champions League and a FIFA Club World Cup.

A season after Ferguson’s retirement from football, Vidic left United for Inter Milan, where he spent a year and a half before hanging up his boots.

Speaking in an interview with TimesVidic revealed how Ferguson’s personality and adaptability were two of his main strengths.

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“He was the first to bring the sports scientist into football, he wasn’t afraid to give the new generations, young footballers the opportunity, and it was he who gave the young coaches the opportunity to train, to play in models modern, like Carlos Queiroz,” said Vidic.

“They had new ideas to show because the younger generation always thinks what can be better. The older generation thinks: ‘This is my way, I don’t want to change’.

“Sir Alex understood that football is always in motion, but still kept his identity. He knew what [type of attacking] he wanted to play football, but he always tried to improve and be ahead of the people, not behind the times. I have seen his strong mentality and strong leadership from him.

“What I’ve seen in my 20 years in football, I don’t know any other manager with his ability to manage a large group of people, to communicate with the media, the players, the staff and have a clear vision of what he wants. I think Sir Alex’s greatest strength is his communication with people, his direction, and he knows what he wants. He’s a winner.”

Vidic added: “He makes you believe. When he spoke to the players I got the feeling that he believed in them more than they believe in themselves.

“He gave you the impression that you think you are better in that position than anyone else, that if someone were to offer him a Real Madrid player, he would say: ‘No, my boyfriend is better, my boyfriend is better.’

“And he believed it. If you play well, he says, ‘I know, I know, it’s you, it’s normal.’ He has that aura that gave you this feeling of support and confidence.”