David Moyes has revealed that he agreed to let Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic leave this offseason.

The defender announced on Thursday that he planned to leave the club after eight seasons. At 32, one might surmise that the Serbian is interested in finishing out his career with a contender; United has taken a huge step backward in Moyes' first season as manager.

"It was something we mutually agreed together, me and Nemanja. I think it was the right decision for both the club and the player," said Moyes, according to ESPN. "What I discussed with him will remain private, but he has been a brilliant servant and captain for Manchester United. He is captain and will remain captain until the end of the season.

"He has been a great player for us, and we will continue to play him. He's a great leader for this club and served the club really well and I would expect that to continue right up until the end of the season."

United is in the middle of a crowded Premier League table and is struggling to keep pace with the top teams in the league. With 40 points, the defending champs are 15 points behind first place Arsenal and seven behind fourth place Liverpool; the fourth place team gets a chance to compete for a Champions League spot in the summer. At this rate, United may be looking at no Champions League or Europa League (awarded to the fifth place team) in 2014-15.