Manchester United hero Gary Pallister is a big fan of Nemanja Vidic.

"When Nemanja first came to England it might have been a bit of a culture shock, and the tenacity of the Premier League took some getting used to," Pallister told official matchday programme United Review.

"But he's grasped the nettle, and proven himself a top-class centre half."

Vidic's partnership with Rio Ferdinand in the heart of the Reds' defence has been likened to the watertight Pallister/Bruce pairing on more than one occasion, and even Pally can't ignore the similarities.

"Rio and Vida are different types of defenders, just as me and Steve were, but they gel so well. Ferdinand's the classic, cultured defender who's good on the ball, while Nemanja relishes a physical challenge, is uncompromising in the tackle and aggressive in the air.

"Vidic is the steel at the heart of the defence. He'll throw his head into areas others won't, and has the sort of battling qualities Steve Bruce had."