Nemanja Vidic has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Manchester United until 2012.

The Serbia defender, who signed on Christmas Day 2005 from Spartak Moscow in a £7 million deal, had a difficult start to his Old Trafford career but has gone on to be one of the most influential players at the club.

"Playing in this team is a great privilege," Vidic said. "This is such a great club and I am delighted to be able to extend my stay here. The fans and everyone at the club have been very special to me. I hope I can do my bit to bring the club even more trophies in the years ahead."

The 26-year-old, who has scored five goals in 69 appearances for United, is so highly rated by manager Sir Alex Ferguson, he even assumed the captain's armband following the substitution of Edwin van der Sar during last night's 4-0 Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev.

"Nemanja has made a terrific impact at the club and has forged a partnership with Rio Ferdinand that was a major part in us winning the title last year," Ferguson said. "He is an extremely popular member of the squad, both with staff and fans alike. It's great news that he wants to be part of this exciting side for years to come."

Vidic was a key presence for United early on this season when he helped keep consecutive clean sheets against Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland and netted the winner at Everton with the Premier League champions earning three 1-0 wins as they struggled for form in attack.

Ferguson, meanwhile, confirmed today that he has no intention of letting Gerard Pique leave Old Trafford.

Pique, who scored United’s first goal in their 4-0 Champions League victory over Dynamo Kiev last night, has been linked with a move away in the January transfer window.

The Spain Under-21 international spent last season on loan at Real Zaragoza and impressed the La Liga outfit so much that they came back with a ‘big bid’ to sign the Barcelona academy product.

Ferguson politely declined, then made it quite clear Pique would be one of the youngsters who would remain at Old Trafford in the wake of September’s Carling Cup debacle against Coventry.

“Zaragoza tried to buy him in the summer. They offered a lot of money for him. But no. The boy’s future is here.

“I have no fears for him. The course we have set is a good one and there is absolutely no intention of letting him go.”