Nemanja Vidic says he has embraced the responsibility that comes with being captain of Manchester United.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson handed the armband to the Serbian at the start of the season and the team have made an excellent start to the season.
United reclaimed top spot in the Premier League on Monday by beating Arsenal and stretching their unbeaten start to the season to 16 top-flight matches - a club record.
"I feel very proud," Vidic told United Review. "It came as a bit of a surprise but I am enjoying the role.
"You have to think about your responsibilities - your behaviour, the way you play, the way you train. I know that I need to set a good example on and off the pitch.
"In terms of my game I do not think anything has changed. I've always talked a lot on the pitch. You have to communicate as a defender and organise things whether you are captain or not.
"I tend not to think about it (the captaincy) when I'm playing. I am just focused on doing my best for the team as I have always done."
Vidic insists there are a number of leaders to help him in the role at Old Trafford.
"The likes of Rio (Ferdinand), Gary (Neville), Giggsy (Ryan Giggs) Scholesy (Paul Scholes), Edwin (Van der Sar) set the example," he said.
"The way they help the other players is fantastic. They have helped me develop and I want to help the younger lads do the same."
Vidic has a special affinity with his central defensive partner Ferdinand and added: "Rio and I have a great understanding on the pitch.
"I also have to say Mladen Krstajic and I had a great relationship for the Serbian national team.
"I am not being disrespectful to the other players I've played with, but the results I've achieved with those two players shows what a good understanding we have. They have both helped me improve as a player."
Anderson took time to settle in Manchester having joined from Porto in 2007, where he was the Portuguese side's key player despite still being in his teens.
However, the sometime Brazil international has produced more consistent performances this season and has been rewarded with the new deal.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We are delighted Anderson has signed a new contract.
"Anderson has developed tremendously since joining the club and he has fantastic potential at only 22 years of age, he is going to be a really top player."
his performances so far this season is not good, ironically after his signing of a new long term contract. I hope he buck up in the second half of the season.