Manchester United hero Nemanja Vidic is arguably the most famous ever Christmas Day transfer signing.

Former Red Star Belgrade captain Vidic won five Premier League titles with Manchester United after joining the club in 2006.

But speaking as part of Sky Sports' Transfer 360 series, Vidic revealed he was actually very close to joining United's bitter rivals - and opponents today - Liverpool.

"The Russian leagues were expanding, there were a lot of new players coming and a lot of agents, scouts were coming to watch the games," Vidic said.

"Anything, in life when people start speaking good about you, a lot of people find the interest.

"I had interest from Fiorentina, I had agreed a deal to go there - then came Liverpool.

"My English was not good enough to speak to Rafa Benitez.

“My wife, who was my girlfriend at the time, was actually in the car with me when I spoke with Rafa. He showed first interest and wanted to bring me to the club.

“Probably there was an issue with the clubs in terms of the money to pay probably, but definitely, he was keen to bring me.

“And Sir Alex Ferguson called me, maybe three weeks after Rafa. He asked me if I wanted to play for Manchester United

"I said yes and he said just leave it to me."