Vidic: United stunned by Silvestre switch to rivals Arsenal

Moving on: Mikael Silvestre

It is the first direct transfer between the two clubs since 1987, when Viv Anderson moved north to become one of Sir Alex Ferguson's first recruits as United boss, and Vidic can still scarcely believe it.

'It surprised me. In fact I think it has come as a surprise to everyone," he said.

'It is not often a player leaves one big club to go to another like Arsenal or Liverpool. It does not tend to happen.

'But Mikael did not play much last year and I think he just wanted to go somewhere where he would, so in that sense I am happy for him."

Vidic has grown close to the former France international during his own two-and-a-half year stint.

And, while it was obvious Silvestre's first-team chances at United were strictly limited, Vidic believes the 31-year-old is still a class act.

He has been here a long time and he still deserves to play at the highest level," said the Serbian.

'Mikael has given so much to this club. I am just surprised he is going to Arsenal. But he has made the choice."

Vidic can look forward to pitting his wits against Silvestre later in the season.

For now he can look ahead to Monday's trip to Portsmouth, where United tend to struggle but need to get their title defence back on track after an opening day draw with Newcastle.

The Fratton Park encounter will represent Vidic's 101st appearance for the Old Trafford outfit, having chalked up the century against Kevin Keegan's Newcastle last weekend.

Patrice Evra is exactly the same having also joined during the January transfer window in 2006.

Given both men made their debuts in a disastrous defeat at Manchester City it is little wonder they now look back and shake their heads considering both are recognised as being among the top Premier League defenders and were integral figures in the side that won the Champions League last season.

'We speak about it quite often,' said Vidic.

'Neither of us started well and we used to say we wanted to leave. We can laugh about it now because we have both reached 100 games.

'I am really pleased. I have worked hard to achieve that and I would like to play many more games for United."