Gary Neville as United's captain, an achievement Vidic described as 'a huge honour'.

The new skipper took to the role immaculately, and enjoyed arguably his most consistent season at the club during 2010/11. Under his leadership, the Reds reclaimed the Premier League title from Chelsea, with his goal against the Blues in the run-in proving vital, and were beaten by Barcelona in the Champions League final, while personal recognition arrived in the form of the Barclays Player of the Season award.

Vidic was unfortunate not to be able to build on his recent personal achievement in 2011/12 as he was sideline for

half the season after suffering cruciate knee ligament damage against Basel in the Champions League. Vidic’s absence was a bitter blow for the Reds as his form, prior to the injury, had be colossal, leading from the back with his usual fearless gusto.

Indeed, one stellar performance during a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Everton had proved he was at the peak of his powers only a matter of weeks before the season-wrecking injury. Plotting a cautious return from such a serious setback, the centre-back missed the 2012 DHL tour to continue his rehabilitation at Carrington.