Proud Vidic is a born leader

Nemanja Vidic is acutely aware of the importance of wearing the skipper’s armband for United this weekend.

The Serbian was Sir Alex Ferguson's surprise choice as skipper this season, handed the job ahead of Rio Ferdinand once the United boss had decided to remove the honour from Gary Neville.

While the job itself is not new to Vidic, now the captain of his country, he does feel the need to set an example for the rest of his team–mates to follow.

"I feel very proud," he said. "It came as a bit of a surprise. The manager said he wanted someone who would play regularly but I know it is a big honour.”

There have been few problems for Vidic on that score this season as, by common consent, he has been one of United's better performers in a campaign which, despite not seeing them at their best, looks increasingly likely to end with the Reds being crowned champions for a record 19th time.

Liverpool visit Old Trafford on Sunday for an FA Cup third-round tie in a shambolic state.

Their season is imploding and manager Roy Hogdson is apparently about to be sacked.

United will be determined not to suffer the kind of aberration which saw them dumped out of the third round last season for the first time since 1984.