Alex Ferguson’s team gifted the title to Manchester City after squandering an eight-point lead in the space of four matches at the end of last season and the pain of that meltdown is still felt at Old Trafford. After rupturing his cruciate ligaments in December 2011, Vidic was a frustrated bystander when United went to Sunderland on the last day of the season.

Eyes on the Ball: Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic in action against Sunderland last year. Pic/Getty Images.