Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic admitted that he found himself in a more challenging test against three other players compared with Fernando Torres.
Nemanja Vidic had been haunted by the ‘myth’ that former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres tormented him during their encounters on the pitch.
Torres only managed to score three times in six Premier League matches against Manchester United legend Vidic while the 42-year-old Spaniard was at Liverpool.
The 2010 World Cup winner was a prolific striking option for Liverpool after he arrived at Anfield under Rafa Benitez from Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
Settling the debate over Nemanja Vidic and Virgil van Dijk
Is Nemanja Vidic the best defender in Premier League history?
Nemanja Vidic identifies tougher tests that he had outside of former Liverpool and Chelsea star Fernando Torres
Former Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic is widely considered one of the best Premier League defenders of all time after his stunning impact at Old Trafford.
The 44-year-old Serbian lifted five Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and three League Cups during his time under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine, Vidic praised the abilities of Fernando Torres after he crossed paths with the former Spain striker in his prolific career.
However, the legendary former Man Utd captain insisted that the likes of Didier Drogba, Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi were all tougher tests for him than Torres.
“Liverpool vs United is the game fans have to talk about and the media has to create narratives around, which I like,” Vidic said.
“In certain times, I get maybe more praise than actually I should; this is life.
“But I think overall there are players that I found more difficult playing against – Drogba, Aguero I would say as well, and of course Messi. Those are the players where you find yourself thinking, ‘Oh, OK.’
“Torres was fantastic; for one or two years, he played fantastically for Liverpool. He was amazing and he lifted Liverpool a lot.”
Can you name the FOUR Man Utd players to have 10+ league assists in a season since Sir Alex retired?
Nemanja Vidic on what he found challenging about facing Liverpool at Man Utd
Vidic spent the majority of his Old Trafford spell under former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson before briefly playing under David Moyes ahead of his club exit.
The former Serbia international admitted that the early kick-off times against United’s rivals proved a real challenge for him during his time at Old Trafford.
“Yeah, it’s great to watch that game, Liverpool, especially going to Anfield,” Vidic added.
“That’s a tough game, especially playing at 12:30. I always find it difficult playing those games. At 12:30, you’re still sleeping!”
Vidic left Old Trafford after eight seasons and signed for Serie A side Inter Milan before the Serbian retired from football in 2016.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
