There have been reports that Vidic could be on his way out of Old Trafford for at least 12 months now with many reports last year suggesting that he could have been playing in Spain this season.

Obviously, he is still at Manchester United but the stories have now started to resurface and this time, there really does seem to be some substance to them.

Players come and go at Old Trafford all the time and some of the lesser lights often depart for pastures new without anoyone even noticing they are gone but when it is one of our top players, there seems to be almost disbelief and certainly a lot of denial from the supporters.

We have been used to players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Wes Brown etc etc. Players who come as kids and stay for pretty much their entire career.

Over the years, there have been a few of those who have left but they have always left when Fergie has decided that their Manchester United days are over (Nicky Butt, Phil Neville etc).

The only ones to have completely bucked this trend were probably David Beckham and Ronaldo. Players at their peak, at a winning club who simply fancied a change of scenery.

Vidic looks increasingly likely to join that small list.

When Vidic came from Spartak Moscow for around £7 Million in January 2006, he didn’t exactly inspire confidence and really seemed to struggle to find his feet in the Premier League at first but once got to grips with it all, he became a fans favourite for his 100% committed displays and his value has soared over the last few seasons.

Aged 28 and with just two years left of his contract left to run, now is decision time for Fergie and Vidic. We will probably never be able to sell him for more than we will get for him right now and if Vidic signs a new contract then he will probably never have the opportunity to leave again and as he heads into his thirties, he will no doubt find himself making fewer and fewer appearances for United.

Personally, whilst I do believe he has been our best defender for the last few seasons, there are a few chinks in his armour. Last season, there were a couple of balls played high over the top that he just didn’t seem to know how to deal with (two examples of this spring to mind – the first against Liverpool when Torres made him look a complete mug and another against a team I cannot quite recall at the moment but Vidic just seemed to lose sight of the ball completely and the striker nicked it in from close range).

There have also been a number of incidents over the last couple of years when he has found himself in a bad position and about to be skinned by the attacker and has had to resort to cynically hauling his opponent to the ground. At least when John Terry does this, he is cute about it and doesn’t get caught; Vidic makes it blatantly obvious.

All things considered, I hope Vidic stays but if this does turn out to be Vidic’s last season at United then whilst it will be a blow, particularly as Ferdinand also looks like he is headed for the knackers yard, it won’t be the end of the world and he is certainly not irreplaceable.