Javier Hernandez and Nemanja Vidic have given despondent United fans a double boost.

Little Pea’s new five-year contract, worth a reputed £1m a year, will keep him at Old Trafford until the end of the 2015/16 season.

And Vidic has quit the Serbia national team – and, in doing so, will be able to extend his Old Trafford career.

The Reds, rocked by the history-making 6-1 derby defeat by City, have moved quickly to sign up the poacher likened by Sir Alex Ferguson to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the 23-year-old Mexican is believed to have become a target of arch-European rivals Real Madrid.   

Hernandez made a stunning impact after arriving in England last season, with 20 goals in all competitions, and the Reds confirmed an M.E.N Sport article earlier this month that strike partner Danny Welbeck would, like another youngster Tom  Cleverley, be landing lucrative long-term deals.

Hernandez said: “Playing for Manchester United has been a dream come true for me.  I never expected my first year to go so well and I’m delighted to commit my future to United.

“To win a title and appear in a Champions League final was fantastic.  I’m looking forward to helping my team-mates as we bid to win more trophies for this great club.”

Fergie added: “The last player I remember making an impact as big and as quickly as Javier is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he reminds me of Ole a lot.  His talent for creating space in the box and his finishing ability mark him out as a natural goalscorer.

“Off the pitch, he is a pleasure to manage.  He works very hard and is a popular member of the squad.”

Meanwhile Vidic, 30  has retired from international football saying he is tired of criticism from Serbian supporters, who have questioned his commitment to the national team.

In an open letter to the Serbian Football Federation (FSS), Vidic wrote: “I want to inform the public that after long consideration, and with a heavy heart, I have decided to say goodbye to the Serbian national team.

“The main reason for this decision is that for a long time, the media, and therefore the public, have criticised my attitude towards the national team, even though I have played when injured and sometimes against the will of my club.

“I feel, after 10 years of playing for my country, it is the right time for me to stand aside and allow the younger players to come through.”

Vidic made his full Serbia debut in October 2002 in a Euro 2004 qualifier against Italy in Naples and went on to win 56 caps, scoring two goals.

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