Nemanja Vidic is revelling in his latest role as Manchester United skipper.

After signing a new four-year contract, the Serbian defender has taken over from Patrice Evra as Sir Alex Ferguson’s preferred choice as skipper in the absence of Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville.

Vidic won his first silverware in the role last month when United beat Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley and on Saturday, the 29-year-old kept the job, even though Ryan Giggs started against West Ham at Old Trafford.

It is testament to the performances Vidic has produced since his £7m move from Spartak Moscow four-and-a-half years ago.

“It is a big achievement for me,” he said. “No-one is going to say they don’t want to be the captain of Manchester United and I am very happy with it.

“It is a major responsibility but I have always liked responsibility. I am not a player who shies away from it. Nothing has really changed in that respect.”

Vidic’s age and longevity does afford him veteran status but his Old Trafford career  pales into insignificance alongside those of Giggs, Neville and Paul Scholes, who are are approaching two decades service.

And, as Vidic acknowledges,  they are the true leaders.

“We all know the captains of the team are Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand,” he said.

“They are the real leaders. The other players follow how they do things. They don’t have to do anything special. They just have to be themselves to be an example for the rest of the players.

“When they are not on the pitch, I just try to do my best and use the experience I have gained in the years I have played for Manchester United.”

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