Quitter Vidic has let United down... he's left as soon as things got tough at Old Trafford

I was stunned to hear that Nemanja Vidic will be leaving Manchester United at the end of the season. 

It looks as though as soon as things have become a bit tough at Old Trafford, their captain wants out.

Of course I do not know every piece of inside information about what goes on at Manchester United but they have given Vidic so much over the years and his departure will hurt the fans.

VIDEO Scroll down for David Moyes reaction to Vidic's departure

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Moving on: United defender Vidic (left) has announced his decision to leave at the end of this season

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Losing out: United manager David Moyes will be planning for life without Nemanja Vidic next season

Vidic is not old, he is 32, so he should be rolling up his sleeves and fighting for the club that allowed him to win five Premier League titles, the Champions League, three League Cups and one Club World Cup.

I wouldn’t want to give that up — where does he think he is going to be better off? It disappoints me that he is leaving and that his representatives are telling people that he will only consider deals of £4million and up.

Maybe David Moyes hasn’t fought to keep him and that has made the decision easier but it doesn’t make it right.

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From strength to strength: Vidic poses with Sir Alex Ferguson after signing his United contract in 2006

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Big hit: Vidic has made almost 400 appearances for the Red Devils since joining for £7million

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All smiles: United allowed Vidic to win five Premier League titles and a Champions League medal in his time

When I was at Arsenal, I clung on with my fingernails, staying until I really had nothing left to offer at 37 years old.

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So why is Vidic running away? He has been a fantastic player for them — one of the best defenders in Premier League history — but he is turning his back on them, the club that took the captaincy off his centre back partner, Rio Ferdinand and gave it to him.

That was a huge show of faith so it is a shame he is not willing to battle on. He should be fighting to the bitter end.

United will miss his leadership qualities and aerial dominance. He attacks the ball brilliantly and is a commanding figure who makes United almost impenetrable in the air, similar in style to John Terry. 

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Partners: Vidic celebrates a Champions League goal against Inter Milan in 2009 with Rio Ferdinand

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Up there: Vidic mixes it with the best centre-backs the Premier League has seen, including Ferdinand and Stam

He is up there with Sol Campbell, Terry, Ferdinand, Jaap Staam and Tony Adams as the best central defenders of the Premier League era. Vincent Kompany will join that group if he carries on at this level for another couple of years.

Vidic will be remembered fondly by Manchester United fans although, in my mind, he isn’t quite as good as Stam, who was the greatest centre half to have played for the club.

So how do United prepare for life after Vidic? For now, I’d advise Moyes to pick a central defensive partner for the Serb and stick with him, injury permitting. 

 

Moyes says Vidic leaving Man Utd was a mutual decision

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Potential: Smalling may be best suited to replacing Vidic in the centre of defence in the long-term

He has Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans who could do that job on a regular basis but I’d back Smalling. His passing has improved dramatically and he deserves a proper run in the middle. There comes a time when you have to stop being a utility player because it is demoralising.

When I returned to Arsenal under George Graham I was moved across the back four on a regular basis and I struggled. 

You are not taken seriously by the fans because they don’t know what your strengths are and only when you cement a true position do you feel part of the fabric of the club.

 

PS. There are four key fixtures at the bottom of the table this weekend and with just six points between Aston Villa in 10th and Cardiff in 19th, each match is a relegation six-pointer.

These teams must not become obsessed by the league table. It’s more important to develop your team; to build belief that you are good enough to survive. 

You do that by getting out on the training ground, doing double sessions if necessary, so you have a plan and play with purpose.

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Don't overthink: Clubs at the bottom must not become obsessed with the league table

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Spotlight on: Nemanja Matic, Age: 25, Chelsea

Matic was superb against City last Monday night, screening the defence perfectly and giving Chelsea such a solid base from which to attack. 

The Serb had three weeks off over Christmas and had played only 90 minutes for Benfica in 2014 before signing for Chelsea. This was his first league start and what a game in which to make your full league debut. 

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Not bad: Matic vindicated Mourinho's decision to take him back to Stamford Bridge against Manchester City

Ramires is normally Chelsea’s road runner but Matic ran 12.6km, further than any player on the pitch. He was a machine. 

Jose Mourinho is developing this team for the long term and Matic fits that plan but he was also signed to have an instant impact. What an impact he is having!

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Gamble: Jose Mourinho signed Nemanja Matic for £21m from Benfica in January