Former France left back Patrice Evra and ex-Serbia national team defender Nemanja Vidic came to Manchester United at the same time, during the winter transfer window in the 2005/06 season. They both struggled when they first joined the club but after a while it all turned around – the pair enjoyed much success together at Old Trafford, winning five Premier League trophies as well as the Champions League in 2008. They were even considered best mates while earning their bread at Old Trafford.And as with most best-friend-relationships, there are periods when two sides fall out and hold a grudge – Evra revealed he did not speak to Vidic for three months after they got involved in a fight.Vidic and Evra bin score their last goals for United against Bayern Munich 🚀🔥Tag a #mufc fan 😍 pic.twitter.com/gRV9ARmeD6— Man United in Pidgin (@ManUtdInPidgin) February 8, 2019 There was so much tension between the two that manager Sir Alex Ferguson had to shift Rio Ferdinand over to the left-sided centre back position, just so the ‘parties at war’ weren’t playing next to each other on the pitch.Evra was a guest for the clubs official website and gave much insight on the story during a Q&A session.’We arrived at the same time and we struggled together. We were at the same hotel, I remember, and we were so bad at the beginning, me and him.’The manager sent us to play with the reserves and the coach was Rene (Meulensteen). After 45 minutes, he subbed us – in the reserves. In the dressing room, Vida was saying, ‘My agent called me, I need to go back to Moscow.’ Also, my agent called me and said they had [interest from] AS Roma. It was difficult here.’So we struggled together. It’s why I have a lot of respect for Vida.’Evra & Vidic (©Gallo Images)’To be honest, we also fought. We had a fight, me and him, and didn’t speak for three months.’ he added.’We played together and we didn’t even say a word. I never told him to go left or go right. He was the same. Ferguson had to swap Rio Ferdinand to play on the left side with me.’It was like that for three months until, after a game, I remember he came to me in the dressing room and gave me a high-five. Everyone was like ‘finally’ because we were best friends together, Vida and me. We have a deep story together.’I love him so much. We struggled but we were really real, me and him. If we were doing something wrong, we’d argue but, in the same way, it was a really great relationship.’Both Vidic and Evra are members of the Man United’s ‘300’ club – Serbian sturdy defender made exactly 300 appearances while the paceful Frenchman made another 79.The three-month-break was not the only time those two had a fight while playing for the Red Devils. The other time it happened was under the other Scotsman, David Moyes – the successor of the great Sir Alex.Evra & Vidic in 2009, representing theor national teams of France and Serbia (©Gallo Images)Tensions were high then, and not those positive ones – Man United did not have a good season as they ended up seventh in the Premier League table.That season, Vidic and Evra had a furious bust up after they lost 3-0 at home to rivals Liverpool. Vidic accused Evra of neglecting his defensive duties by leaving him exposed. The Serbian did not even get to see the end of the match as he got sent off after two yellow cards.’We argued amongst ourselves.’, Vidic confirmed the incident in an interview afterwards. ‘This year more than any other, because when you have bad times, people show they care. We are still friends, but we were arguing to get better. We wanted to improve.’We could say those things to each other because we have been together for so long, but it hurt. If you didn’t argue, it would not be right. We had some hard moments in the dressing room between ourselves.’##NAJAVA_MECA_5890956##It was 2013 when Manchester United lifted the Premier League trophy for the last time. It is kind of obvious that the chemistry within their ranks hasn’t been as tight as it was with the Evra/Vidic generation. Yes, there were quality players at Old Trafford, and there are at the moment but it seems the Red Devils need a manager like Sir Alex and the comradery he managed to instill.
