Nemanja Vidic set to come back to United?

Nemanja Vidic during a training session with his club Inter Milan

Rumours are just rumours except when there is an element of truth about them. The David Moyes saga is over except for his new contract at Real Sociedad and failure to retain Nemanja Vidic. The Domestic Cup competitions (FA and League) were the only real pieces of hardware Manchester United could have targeted in December of 2013. The League form was terrible at the time and even though Manchester United came through the Champions’ League group stages, Moyes was not going to have the tactical prowess to beat the likes of Bayern or Real Madrid. The group stage was kind to Moyes in the competition he faced.

After losing to Swansea City on January 5th in the third round of the FA Cup and then bowing out of the League Cup to Sunderland only 17 days later, Vidic did not wait to see what Champions League would bring before announcing that he was leaving the club. On February 7th 2014 he announced that he was joining Internazionale in the 2014 – 2015 season. There was so much turmoil at Manchester United that Moyes let Vidic and his contract slip through the cracks. The Vidic era saw a Champions League Win, 2 Premier League Player of the Season awards, 5 Premier League Championships, and 3 League Cups.

This week there were rumours that Internazionale had lost favourability with Vidic and a shock return to United was possible. Critics argued that Vidic is too old and immobile for a return to a new high-octane LVG attacking team. An LvG attacking team right now that is hurting for a brick wall and steadfast leadership others would argue. The loss of Vidic was too early for the likes of Jones and Smalling to have learned what they needed to learn to become top class center-halfs. Moyes cleaned out the coaching staff full of relationships and club history. If all Nemanja Vidic had to do was stand at the top of the 18-yard box, bark orders, and organise the naïve back-line then the clean sheets would not only come at the hands of De Gea but maybe because of some organised defending for a change.

This is one rumour that could make sense for both parties. Inter and Vidic tried something that perhaps did not work out mutually, but having Vidic back at United could see a now 3rd place team solidify a Champions League spot. Vidic does not have a lot of time left to play at the top tier given his age and recent injury problems but United can use his leadership and presence. The Vidic Vacation was nice, but it would be even greater to return to sunny Manchester and finish in the top four!