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8th September 2017
09:20am BST
The Red Devils had just won the League Cup but Rossi, who had started the earlier games in the side's cup run, was not awarded a medal and was forced to watch his teammates' celebrations from the sidelines.
But as the champagne dried and the podium was disassembled at the Millennium Stadium, Vidic pulled Rossi aside and handed him his medal.
"Nemanja told me I deserved it more than him," Rossi said via Manchester Evening News. "I was shocked because I wasn't expecting that, but that's another story I won't forget from my United days."
Rossi made just 14 appearances for United in total and following a pair of loan deals, the American-born Italian international moved to Villarreal, where he put together a respectable scoring record of 82 goals in 192 appearances.
Rossi has since spent time at Fiorentina, Levante and Celta Vigo however the striker will never forget his brief but memorable time in Manchester, where the foundations of his career were moulded by Sir Alex Ferguson.
"He was a great human being," Rossi said of Fergie.
"I like to always see the human aspect of the person and he showed great respect to his players and everyone working around Carrington - the groundsmen, cafeteria people, youth coaches, etc.
"That's what stood out the most because in high-profile positions, it's easy to lose sight of the little things - but not Sir Alex. That's why I have tremendous respect and admiration for him."Explore more on these topics:
