Ben Foster, the former Manchester United goalkeeper, has revealed the daunting experience of training with club legend Nemanja Vidic, describing it as a fearsome ordeal.
Vidic, known for his uncompromising defensive style and relentless approach, earned a reputation as one of United’s greatest ever defenders. His aggressive and no-nonsense demeanor was as intimidating in training as it was on the pitch. Foster, who played 23 games for the Red Devils during his five-year tenure, shared his thoughts on Vidic’s fearsome presence in a recent episode of the Squeaky Bum Time podcast.
“Off the pitch, Nemanja was fairly quiet,” Foster recalled. “But on the pitch, especially in training, he was a completely different animal. Honestly, he was terrifying.”
Foster described the anxiety he felt when paired with Vidic during training sessions. “If we were playing five-a-side or six-a-side, I would always hope not to be on Nemanja’s team,” Foster admitted. “If we lost or if I let in a goal he thought I should have saved, he would let you know about it. He was relentless, constantly digging you out. It was brutal.”
Foster’s account aligns with sentiments shared by other former United players. Paul Scholes, another Red Devils legend, has previously described Vidic as a “lunatic” in training. Scholes noted, “In training, Vidic could be quite moody and difficult, especially in the box. But he was a fantastic centre-half, perfect for English football with his heading and tackling abilities.”
Vidic’s impact at Manchester United was immense during his eight-year spell at Old Trafford. The Serbian defender won five Premier League titles, three League Cups, and a Champions League under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson. Despite his intimidating presence, Vidic’s contributions to the team were invaluable, and his legacy as a formidable defender endures in Manchester United’s history.
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