Manchester United have completed the £7m transfer of Nemanja Vidic from Spartak Moscow.

The Serbia & Montenegro international defender has been granted the work permit he had been waiting for and is now expected to join up with his new colleagues on Friday.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV: “Good defenders win you things.

“In my time we have had people like Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Paul Parker, Denis Irwin, Ronnie Johnson and Jaap Stam.

“This lad is really natural and athletic. I know you need good defenders and that is exactly what this lad is.”

Vidic, 24, joined Spartak from Red Star Belgrade in July 2004.

Vidic is unlikely to be the only new player at Old Trafford this month with left back Patrice Evra also reported to be close to agreeing a move from Monaco.

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