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Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidić could become the latest addition to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s staff, joining the club as coach of the Under-23 side. The Serbian picked up his coaching badges in early 2018, but has yet to take a job at a club since retiring in 2016.
Vidić spent 9 glorious seasons in Red, with 5 Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League amongst his many medals. His defensive expertise, and legendary partnership with Rio Ferdinand, set the high standards that recent sides have struggled mightily to emulate. Fans will hope that experience will translate well in his role as a mentor for those on the fringes of the squad.
The former U-23s coach, Ricky Sbragia, had been at the helm of the team since 2017, and has seen many promising youth players come through the side, but left the club in May. The U-23s haven’t won a trophy since 2016. Solskjaer has made it clear he values a highly competitive youth program, and will want to make a positive impact on the future talent being cultivated at United.
This position was once occupied by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, from 2008-2011, before he left to take the reins at Molde. Since returning to Manchester United as first-team boss he’s not shied away from his desire to establish a more familiar culture. Vidić certainly fits the bill from his playing career, but the test of coaching will be a first for him.