Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has welcomed talk that he could be Player of the Year this season.

The Serbia star said: "Why not enjoy the limelight?

"You play football to do the best you can and try to improve yourself in every game and training session. The aim is to do well and get the team flying high."

Vidic's imposing presence is another major weapon in his armoury.

Few relish a one-on-one battle with the former Spartak Moscow defender, signed on Christmas Day 2005 for what has turned out to be a bargain £7.2million.

Yet it is not a part of his game that Vidic particularly works on; it is more that he will not shirk a challenge if it is offered.

"I don't think it is just about the physical game," he said. "It is about sticking to your defending and winning the battle with the player you are up against.

"But if you have to use a bit of strength, that is what you do."