Vidic's Old Trafford future has been called into question recently but the 28-year-old has dismissed suggestions he is looking to move on.

Instead the teak-tough centre-back wants to become an integral part of the team that must be built once the likes of Ryan Giggs and Edwin van der Sar call time on their careers.

He said: "I am glad to have been part of this club for so many years and if I could be one of the bases on which a new team is built I would be very happy.

"I have never said I want to go and play in another country. Other people have spoken or written about it and I am not happy with that.

"But I have said in the past what I think. I don't want to keep talking about it because I can't stop what people say. The fact is I am happy here."

The Serbian's present deal expires in 2012, so the likelihood is United would want to open negotiations towards the end of this season to avoid the potential for Vidic - who cost £7.2m when he moved from Spartak Moscow on Christmas Day 2005 - leaving at a knock-down price.

But he is fully focused on helping United to greater success and does not want to do his negotiating through the press.

He added: "I don't want to rush and I don't want to speak about my future in the media.

"I will speak about it to the club. But I don't want to push them. I don't want to push anyone.

"We will see what happens. I am here and I am happy. I have shown in the games that I want to be part of the team and to play every game 100 per cent for this club."

Vidic's response will receive an enthusiastic response from the overwhelming majority of United fans, who have warmed to the defender's tough-tackling style.

With Rio Ferdinand's long-standing back complaint starting to cause concern, Ferguson would not want to risk losing his other defensive lynchpin.

Vidic though has had his own injury worries. He has only just returned from a calf strain that kept him out for three weeks and a pre-season knee injury saw him consigned to the sidelines for the opening three fixtures.

He said: "I am not happy because I have had a lot of injuries.

"All the time I feel something. That worries me. But I don't have a problem with my form and at the moment I am 100 per cent."

Nevertheless, the axis between Ferdinand and Vidic has been in operation on only four occasions in the Barclays Premier League this season.

When the pair have played alongside each other, United have only once failed to collect maximum points - at Liverpool.

That goes same way towards explaining why United have sometimes struggled at the back this term.

"We need to get back to keeping clean sheets," he said.

"It is very important for the team when you don't lose goals. When you have stability at the back it is easier for the forwards and midfield players.

"With the quality players we have we can always score. This year, not just Manchester United, all teams have lost more goals than last season.

"But we need to improve and I hope we will do better in the few games."