Vidic tells how Carrick's 'strong character' will lead him to success at Man Utd

Nemanja Vidić tells how Michael Carrick has a "strong character" who is "the face" of Manchester United.

The former United defender was at Old Trafford on Monday night to watch the Reds face Leeds United in the Premier League.

It proved to be a disappointing evening but Vidic is convinced that Carrick has the temperament that the club needs now.

Despite the defeat, United remain third in the table and are still in a strong position to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, with six games left to play.

Speaking before the match, Vidić explained why he believes Carrick has made such a positive start in charge.

“I played with Michael nine years and I know him really well,” Vidic said.

“He’s a great character, a strong character but obviously in a different way. He’s very knowledgeable, very calm and you can always rely on him.

“He’s not the guy who is going to have many days up and down, he’s always going to be in the same line and you can see [that in] the way he is in the games and how he’s presenting the club in the media.

“This is the manager you want to have in the club, because he’s the face of the club. I think he represents the club in the best manner, plus he got the results – seven wins in 10 games, two draws and just one game lost [before Leeds].

“That’s a fantastic record, plus I believe the players are enjoying it and taking the best out of it.

“He’s doing a fantastic job. Obviously [it’s] Michael Carrick and his team. I’m hoping they’re going to keep doing their job well, like they’re doing now, and secure that Champions League spot, which we are all expecting from them to do and it’s important for the fans and the club.

“We want to go and watch Manchester United against the best teams in the world.”

Vidić, who played under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, also highlighted the importance of having the right coaching structure in place.

He believes Carrick is benefiting from a strong backroom team, including Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate, alongside club figures Travis Binnion and Jonny Evans.

“I think it’s very important that you have people that understand the culture,” the Serbian added.

“If you look at Michael, the people he’s choosing to be next to him, he’s obviously picking the right characters and, of course, assistants that are good in certain aspects of the game.

“Obviously, Jonny Evans is a defender and can help defenders develop and he understands them well and can talk to them in the situations he was in, down times, good times. That’s important.

“You have to have experienced people who understand the game, understand the club and understand the culture.

“I think one of the reasons they’re doing well is they have the right people around him.”

Vidić was back in Manchester as part of promotional work. Having retired in 2016, the former defender has previously spoken about his own ambitions to move into coaching.

For now, however, he is enjoying being back at Old Trafford and taking in the atmosphere.

“I think, when you come to Old Trafford, you always feel that energy," he explained.

“We played for many years here and we won a lot of trophies with the club. I always felt special in this place.

“I think, as well, that these players as well playing for United now, I think this is the best crowd and the best place ever. These fans are always behind you. They support the club, first of all, and they support the players who play for the club.

“I feel that, even in those years we didn’t have success.”