Manchester United icon Nemanja Vidic has revealed that Liverpool showed interest in signing the defender before Sir Alex Ferguson swooped in to complete the deal.

United completed a £7million move for the then-24-year-old from Russian side Spartak Moscow in 2005, before officially joining the club at the beginning of January. The Serbian went on to enjoy a trophy-laden career at Old Trafford, winning five Premier League crowns as well as success in the Champions League and Club World Cup.

He established a legendary partnership at the back with Rio Ferdinand, with the pair still widely regarded as two of the greatest central defenders in top-flight history.

READ MORE: David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand made feelings clear on Sheikh Jassim's Man United takeover attempt

READ MORE: Man United wonderkid Sekou Kone breaks silence after injury and hits back at transfer claim

However, it could have been different with Liverpool showing an interest in the defender but the Merseyside club couldn't agree terms with Vidic's former club. The defender revealed speaking to Sky Sports: "I had interest from Fiorentina, I agreed a deal to go there then came Liverpool.

"My English was not good enough to speak with Rafa Benitez, my wife was actually in the car at the time with me when I spoke with Rafa and he showed first interest, he wanted to bring me. Probably the issue with the clubs was money to pay probably, I thought he was keen to bring me.

"Sir Alex Ferguson just called me three weeks after Rafa and said, 'do you want to play for Man United?' I said, yes, he said, 'just leave it to me'.

"The deal was done really, really fast. Actually it was done that fast I didn't negotiate my contract, the club agreed the fee but when I came to United to negotiate my contract I didn't get there. I realise at the time, Man United have scales in the contract, I got less than I did at Spartak Moscow, it's not about the money, it's about playing for Sir Alex."