Vidic Credited Van Der Sar Behind Strong Defensive Partnership With Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United great, Nemanja Vidic admitted Edwin van der Sar was integral to his lucrative partnership with Rio Ferdinand.

Both defenders were hailed as two of the very best in their positions through the 2000s. While the defenders earned a lot of praise, Vidic credited former goalkeeper, Van der Sar with having a strong hand in their defensive record.

“So much is said about the partnership Rio and I had, but I have to mention the role that Edwin played in our relationship. He was a big part of it,” Vidic told the United website. “He was experienced, really good on the ball and he was always there as well. He could see the whole pitch and he was there to help. If I didn’t see something or Rio didn’t see something, he was there to help.

“What’s important with Ed, he was 34 or 35 when he came to United, I think, so he already had so much experience. What’s important for us as defenders is to trust your goalkeeper, and we trusted Ed. It doesn’t matter where the player is shooting from. If he’s outside the box, you’re not worried that much. You let him shoot because you know Ed will cover that.

“We worked on that too and Ed was good at it, especially in the beginning when we started. Those experienced players give you that calmness that you need in certain situations and Ed was great at it.”

Vidic won 5 Premier League titles during his eight years at Old Trafford, along with a Champions League medal, 4 League Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup.

READ MORE: Top five highest-paid Manchester United players

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here