Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted that Nemanja Vidic has decided to commit himself to Manchester United by agreeing a new contract.

Ferguson claims the retention of the Serbia international 'strengthens United's hand' and brings to an end a period of uncertainty surrounding the defender's future.

The 28-year-old had been linked with a move to Real Madrid for the last 12 months following suggestions that his family had failed to settle in Manchester after his arrival from Spartak Moscow in 2006.

However, Vidic has now verbally agreed a new four-year contract with the Red Devils and Ferguson is delighted by the news.

He said:"In the modern day game it is not easy renewing contracts when they do well, particularly those from other countries.

"Over the last year or so there has been speculation about Nemanja time and time again, sometimes by the press, sometimes fuelled by other sources.

"But we never had a strong feeling he really wanted to leave. There is always concern if they do well they want better contracts.

"At the end of the day we have managed to achieve the task of getting him to agree a four-year contract.

"We are delighted, he is fantastic centre-half, a great competitor with a marvellous attitude to winning games. It strengthens our hand."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email