Vidic: Why Carrick suits head-coach role

Our former defender was at Old Trafford on Monday night, to watch the Reds take on Leeds United in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, the Whites got the better of us, with Noah Okafor’s double enough to claim a first league victory in M16 for the Yorkshire club since 1981, despite Casemiro pulling one back with a header.

We are still third in the top-flight table and, with six games to go, well placed in the battle for UEFA Champions League qualification.

When we caught up with Vida ahead of the game, he explained why his former team-mate has enjoyed such a positive opening three months in the role.

“I played with Michael nine years and I know him really well,” Vidic said.

“He’s a great character, a strong character but obviously in a different way. He’s very knowledgeable, very calm and you can always rely on him.

“He’s not the guy who is going to have many days up and down, he’s always going to be in the same line and you can see [that in] the way he is in the games and how he’s presenting the club in the media.

“This is the manager you want to have in the club, because he’s the face of the club. I think he represents the club in the best manner, plus he got the results – seven wins in 10 games, two draws and just one game lost [before Leeds].

“That’s a fantastic record, plus I believe the players are enjoying it and taking the best out of it.

“He’s doing a fantastic job. Obviously [it’s] Michael Carrick and his team. I’m hoping they’re going to keep doing their job well, like they’re doing now, and secure that Champions League spot, which we are all expecting from them to do and it’s important for the fans and the club.

“We want to go and watch Manchester United against the best teams in the world.”

Vidic played under one of the greatest in Sir Alex Ferguson, who was, in turn, aided by a succession of talented assistant managers and coaches.

Nemanja believes Carrick is benefiting from a similar set-up, with outside hires Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate complemented well by existing club figures Travis Binnion and Jonny Evans.

Evans – another ex-colleague of Vida’s – has years of United experience to draw upon, as he embarks upon his first role in coaching.

“I think it’s very important that you have people that understand the culture,” the Serbian added.

“If you look at Michael, the people he’s choosing to be next to him, he’s obviously picking the right characters and, of course, assistants that are good in certain aspects of the game.

“Obviously, Jonny Evans is a defender and can help defenders develop and he understands them well and can talk to them in the situations he was in, down times, good times. That’s important.

“You have to have experienced people who understand the game, understand the club and understand the culture.

“I think one of the reasons they’re doing well is they have the right people around him.”

Vida was back in Manchester to help promote the upcoming pre-season game against Leeds at Croke Park in August.

Nemanja retired in 2016 and has previously spoken about his ambitions to become a coach himself. For now, he's just enjoying watching from the sidelines.

“I think, when you come to Old Trafford, you always feel that energy," he explained.

“We played for many years here and we won a lot of trophies with the club. I always felt special in this place.

“I think, as well, that these players as well playing for United now, I think this is the best crowd and the best place ever. These fans are always behind you. They support the club, first of all, and they support the players who play for the club.

“I feel that, even in those years we didn’t have success.”