The trouble with ends of eras is that you don’t really know when they are coming and it’s hard to accept when they are actually happening. Finally, you don’t fully appreciate their passing until some time afterwards.
Despite many clinging on the the golden era that they have just witnessed, Manchester United are indeed at the end of an era – not only due to the obvious departure of Sir Fergie – but also because so many of the titanic players from that era are arguably now reaching their expiry dates.
Question marks remain over many players in the squad, such as Ferdinand, Evra, Young and Nani – stars who all played their part in the Manchester United dynasty. One player who is definitely on his his way is Nemnaja Vidic. At 32 his contract is expiring at the end of the season and he recently confirmed that he will be leaving Manchester United this summer.
A colossal part of the most successful Manchester United team in history, Vidic gave over 7 years to the cause and joined the club last time it was in a serious transition.
In 2005 Manchester United were in the middle of a barren domestic spell as Arsenal and the new money of Chelsea were seriously threatening Manchester United’s dominance. Laurent Blanc was doing his best to keep the defence watertight but, at 37, his legs were gone.
Manchester United brought in Vidic and Evra in what turned out to be the cornerstones of Manchester United’s return to domestic and European success. In 2008 Manchester United won The Champions League with Vidic (28), Evra (27) and Ferdinand (30) in their absolute pomp.
It’s very sad for Manchester United fans to see these guys leave the club. But Vidic’s departure is definite and recent reports suggest that he’s already done a deal to go to Italy. Accordingly, SkyBet have Inter at 1/2 odds on favourites for his signature before September 2nd.
While many think that Vidic could still do a job for Manchester United, the slower pace in Italy may extend the career of a player who has many scars to show for his full blooded and sometimes painful approach to the game – an approach which brought him a number of injuries but many more admirers through his superb career at Manchester United.
Manchester United fans – should David Moyes have held on to Vidic for one more season?
Follow us on Twitter @soccersweep10
