Vidic surprised by United gongs

Nemanja Vidic admitted he was shocked to be named Manchester United’s players’ and fans’ player of the year last night.

The Serbian took home both awards for his impressive performances alongside Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the Red Devils’ defence.

The 27-year-old has been instrumental in United’s Barclays Premier League triumph and their run to the Champions League final.

“It’s a great night for me,” Vidic, who moved to Old Trafford from Spartak Moscow three years ago, said on MUTV.

“It has been a really good year. I am surprised I got it but I have really enjoyed it.”

Vidic has also made his presence felt at the other end of the field, notably scoring the opening goal in their 2-0 second-round second-leg win over Inter Milan in the Champions League.

It was, though, his performances in defence which earned him the accolade from his team-mates and Vidic admitted it was rare for a defender to take home the award.

“To be honest I don’t have so many individual awards,” he added. “That’s why I am a bit confused and my speech is not the best. Next time my speech will be a bit better.”

Ryan Giggs, the PFA Player of the Year this season, was full of praise for Vidic.

“Consistently throughout the season he’s been brilliant,” said the Welshman.

Cristiano Ronaldo took the goal of the year award for his 40-yard strike away to Porto in the Champions League.