Vidic - I could have left

United defender persuaded to stay by Ferguson

Last updated: 8th December 2008

Vidic - I could have left

Vidic: Found it difficult

After a couple of months I said to myself, 'This is not the right club for me'. I was very down, but the manager kept telling me he believed in me and that I'd come good and be a big player. That really gave me confidence.

Nemanja Vidic
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Nemanja Vidic admits Sir Alex Ferguson convinced him to stay at Manchester United as he struggled to settle during his early months at Old Trafford.

The Serbian defender joined United in January 2006 from Spartak Moscow and has become a vital part of the champions' side.

However, the 27-year-old accepts he found it difficult to adjust to the Premier League at the start of his United career and considered leaving the club.

Red Devils boss Ferguson soothed Vidic's doubts and the centre-half paid tribute to the Scot for persuading him to persevere with English football.

Confidence

"I found it hard to settle and I know everyone was asking whether I was good enough to play for United," said Vidic in the Daily Star.

"I'd had some injuries too and the Premier League is more physical than I'd experienced before.

"After a couple of months I said to myself, 'This is not the right club for me'.

"I was very down, but the manager kept telling me he believed in me and that I'd come good and be a big player. That really gave me confidence."

Comfortable

Meanwhile, Vidic is confident United are in a strong position to defend their Premier League title after he scored an injury-time winner against Sunderland on Saturday.

He added: "Right now it is like a track-and-field race. The two leaders, Liverpool and Chelsea, are at the front of the race with one lap to go.

"We are sitting just behind them on their shoulders, looking nice and comfortable and ready to choose the moment to strike for the finishing line.

"The next two months will be very important and I'm sure the race to be champions will be tight this year.

"But I think we are in a very good position right now and I am happy where we are."