Nemanja Vidic has again been forced to defend his wife, Ana, amid ongoing speculation that she is pushing him into a move from Manchester United.

Manchester United players wives and friends arrive at Old Trafford

The Serbia international has also dismissed comments credited to his agent, Paolo Fabbri, that he is angling for a high-profile switch to European champions Barcelona.

Vidic insists he has never, publicly at least, asked to leave Old Trafford to appease his wife because of her reported inability to adjust to English culture and the historically inclement Manchester weather.

He also refuted speculation that he would like to follow Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez and quit Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

“I’ve never said anything about Barcelona or Real Madrid or AC Milan – or any club,” said Vidic, who made his first start of the new season in the 5-0 romp at Wigan on Saturday.

“I never speak about my future so I don’t know why someone else does. I showed at Wigan on the pitch how happy I am at this club.

“Any fan of United only has to see how I played to know how committed I am. I spoke with my agent about this and what he said. I know about all the rumours about me but I don’t want it to have an impact on the club.

“It’s not a good time for my club to be hearing those rumours.”

The 27-year-old also vigorously defended his wife in response to reports that she wants him to find a new club in a warmer country.

“It’s not true that my wife is not happy,” he added. “I don’t know how that rumour came out, she’s not what you’d call a famous wife. She’s never spoken to a newspaper.”

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