Ranking the top 3 Manchester United January transfers

#1 Nemanja Vidic

How many centre-halves can you name who actually like defending? Vidic liked it. He loved the challenge of sticking his head in there. You could tell that the thrill of contesting those 50-50 balls animated him.

Those were the words of Sir Alex Ferguson, who nurtured the Serbian and turned him into one of the best defenders at Old Trafford. Nemanja Vidic joined Manchester United in January 2006 for a reported fee of £7 million. It would turn out to be a bargain, as Vidic went on to become one of the best defenders in the world and certainly among the greatest ever to play in the Premier League.

The Serbian did not have the best of starts to life at Manchester United. However, like a true champion, Vidic picked up pace and soon attained cult status among fans. His no-nonsense style of defending and his bravery made him a fan-favourite.

Vidic was exceptional in the air and strong on the ball. His tackles and aggression made him a feared opponent on the pitch. However, the Serbian was equally comfortable with the ball at his feet and was a complete defender who marshalled the United defence with charisma.

Vidic formed a formidable partnership with Rio Ferdinand that is widely regarded as one of the best of the Premier League era. The Serbian made 300 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 15 goals too.

He won a host of trophies and was even the skipper for the club from the 2010/11 season till his departure at the end of the 2013/14 season.

He was, without doubt, the best January transfer for United and also one of Ferguson's finest signings.