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Is Nemanja Vidic on his way back to Manchester United?

Nemanja Vidic

FILE - This is a Wednesday Dec. 6, 2006 file photo of Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic as he celebrates scoring against Benfica during their Group F Champions League soccer match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England. Inter Milan said Wednesday March 5, 2014 Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic will join the club for the start of next season. (AP Photo/Steven Governo, File)

AP

This couldn’t really happen… could it?

Reports have started to gather steam that Nemanja Vidic could be on his way back to Manchester United in January.

[RELATED: Van Gaal isn’t planning additions]

Vidic, 33, was allowed to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer last season and signed a one-year deal with Italian side Inter Milan after eight seasons with United.

The imposing defender lifted the UEFA Champions League title with the Red Devils in 2008 as well as five Premier League titles, as he become a cult-hero among United’s fans. However under David Moyes last season, Vidic fell out of favor and became increasingly frustrated with life at United.

Since moving to Inter last summer the towering center half has failed to make a lasting impression in Serie A and given United’s current defensive issues, Louis van Gaal could certainly do with some more reinforcements at the back after losing Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Marcos Rojo to injury, plus Chris Smalling to suspension.

Would Vidic returning be a good idea for both parties? Probably not.

The Serbian destroyer left Old Trafford at the end of a disappointing campaign last year and may want to have one last crack at winning silverware with the club where he made his name. But United need help in defense right now, so a short-term deal in January on a six-month contract would make sense as he aims for a more fitting farewell to the Old Trafford faithful.

Personally, I think Vidic should move elsewhere if things aren’t working out for him at Inter. His legendary status at United already took a hit after several shaky displays last season and being benched by Moyes.

Follow @JPW_NBCSports