Fergie hails unsung hero

Sir Alex Ferguson believes defensive colossus Nemanja Vidic does not get the praise he deserves.

The Serbia international has formed a formidable partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the heart of Manchester United's defence in recent years and is widely regarded as one of the finest exponents of his trade in European football.

With Ferdinand currently out injured, Vidic has formed the cornerstone of a watertight back line which has gone nine Premier League games without conceding a goal.

A tenth clean sheet at Bolton on Saturday will equal Chelsea's top-flight record, a remarkable achievement for those Red Devils that have a tendency to slip into the shadows of their more illustrious team-mates.

"We are the kind of club where attention always goes on to the star players," said Ferguson.

"I always used to say Denis Irwin would give us eight or nine out of 10 every week, but he never got a mention when the praise was being given out.

"We all knew the value of him, and it is very much the same with Vidic. He has been a fantastic performer for us."

Vidic signed for United on Christmas Day 2005, completing a £7.2million switch from Spartak Moscow.

His introduction to life in England came around the same time as French full-back Patrice Evra, with Ferguson admitting both men took time to adjust to life in the Premier League.

"He came at a bad time," reflected Ferguson.

"He had not played since the beginning of that December and maybe he was not ready for the cut and thrust of the Premier League.

"I know Patrice thought the world had fallen in after he had made his debut - but you see him now. It is the same with Nemanja."