Rio Ferdinand rings Sir Alex Ferguson to ask for three words to describe Nemanja Vidic

Rio Ferdinand brilliantly rang Sir Alex Ferguson to ask for THREE words to describe Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic.

Ferdinand invited his old defensive partner Vidic on his podcast to discuss his trophy-laden career at Old Trafford.

The Serbian joined the Red Devils in January 2006 and enjoyed a stellar eight-and-a-half-year spell at the club, winning the lot.

He won five Premier League titles, three League Cups and the prestigious Champions League during his Man United career.

Vidic will go down as one of Ferguson's most shrewd pieces of business during his phenomenal managerial career.

And the iconic gaffer recently received a phone call from Ferdinand, who asked him to describe the bruising centre-half.

He replied: "Determined, tough and committed," which perfectly sums up Vidic who showed them attributes on the pitch.

During his chat with Ferdinand, Vidic also revealed how he nearly joined Liverpool instead of Man United.

But his proposed move to Anfield fell through after then-manager Rafael Benitez failed to call him back following initial talks.

"The first moment I was in contact with the club (United) was December 2005," Vidic said to Ferdinand. "But at the time Liverpool was also involved.

"I spoke with Rafa Benitez and he was the one who was first in touch with me when I was at Spartak Moscow. My English was not good, my wife Ana was actually talking to him because my English was not great."

The 41-year-old added: "He was asking me if I want to come to England and certain things, everything was great. And then he didn't call me back for two or three weeks. Fergie obviously got in touch.

"He called and said 'I've been looking at you for the last six months to a year, I like the way you play. I think you'll be good for the club. Do you want to join?'

"I said of course, he said "everything will be settled" and then in one week I was in Manchester."