Manchester United and Nemanja Vidic will go their separate ways in the summer after nine seasons of incredible success.
The Serbian has won ten major trophies in just nine seasons at Old Trafford and has been one of the best defenders in the world since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2006.
Now his time at the theatre of dreams is coming to an end, with the announcement that the two parties have mutually agreed not to extend his contract which expires in the summer.
It has been suggested in some quarters that Vidic is deserting a sinking ship and leaving his flagging teammates in the lurch.
That is absolute nonsense.
This is a decision that has been made for the good of both parties with a realisation that Vidic is no longer the player he was.
At his peak Vidic was a monster at the back for United and a defender all Premier League strikers feared.
He was the foundation on which United built their phenomenal success in the Premier League and in Europe between 2006 and 2011.
With Rio Ferdinand he formed arguably the strongest central defensive pairing in world football.
In recent years however, injuries have caught up with the Serb and have meant he is not performing to the level he previously achieved.
Sunday’s game against Fulham exemplified exactly why Vidic and David Moyes have decided he should look to extend his career away from Old Trafford.
Vidic could be called into question for both of Fulham’s goals in the 2-2 draw.
He allowed himself to be dragged into marking space Chris Smalling already occupied, allowing Steve Sidwell to run in behind the United defence.
His poor cushioned header to teammate Michael Carrick in the 94th minute was a grave lapse of judgement, and allowed Darren Bent to slot away an easy equaliser and leave Old Trafford with a much needed point.
His lack of pace was also exposed on a number of occasions by the likes of Keiran Richardson, who is no Usain Bolt himself these days.
While Vidic is still dominant in the air, fabulous at last-ditch tackles and a commanding leader, it is this diminishing of his pace and control that has left United far weaker at the back.
Therefore the decision has been made for the good of both parties to end the Serb’s time at the club.
It is the right decision.
Vidic is not running away when times are tough as some have suggested in recent days, rather he is realising that his performances no longer meet the level which playing for Manchester United demands, and he wishes to revitalise his career elsewhere.
With five Premier League titles, three League Cups, One Champions League and a Club World Cup under his belt, Vidic will be remembered as one of United’s best ever defenders.
In 2010 Vidic took over the United captaincy from Gary Neville and has been an exceptional leader for the Red Devils on the pitch and a great club ambassador off it.
The issue of replacing Vidic as captain is yet another problem looming on the horizon for the beleaguered Moyes.
While United can probably manage without Vidic the player now, Vidic the captain and leader will leave a huge hole at Old Trafford.
There aren’t many outstanding candidates to take the armband in the dressing room.
Wayne Rooney will probably be favourite if the club can secure his long-term services.
Aside from Rooney, experienced players such as Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher do not stand out as natural leaders.
It has been proposed that Phil Jones take the United armband but frankly if that happens United fans may as well give up all hope.
Defensively United will probably not lose too much when Vidic departs but the fact remains that he is still their best centre back, which is a sad reflection on the state of their current squad.
Rio Ferdinand will surely quit United in the summer, leaving Smalling, Jones and Jonny Evans as the only main central defenders.
Last week, Moyes claimed he didn’t need to use the transfer market to replace Vidic as he had the quality at the club in those three players.
As he said those words, every United fan shuddered because while Evans is a capable deputy, Jones and Smalling are not worth their place in any United team.
Vidic leaving Old Trafford raises a number of questions about the future of the club but despite all these troubles it is the right time for him and the club to move on.
If Moyes comes to his senses, United can bring in some younger defenders to re-energise the back four.
Vidic should probably head for the continent to extend his career, with Italy seeming a likely destination.
That would be a good fit as it is a slower pace of game with more emphasis on brains and strength than speed and athleticism.
Therefore this parting of the ways is a right decision all round and to suggest that it has come because Vidic is deserting a sinking ship is preposterous.
Vidic has been an outstanding defender and a fearless leader for United who will undoubtedly be remembered as a club legend.
Image courtesy of beanyman62sports, via with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
