Ferguson confirms Vidic return

Nemanja Vidic is in contention to make his return for Manchester United in Saturday’s Premier League match against Sunderland with manager Sir Alex Ferguson delighted to have his captain available again.



Vidic had been expected to be out until Christmas after undergoing surgery on a knee injury in mid-September, but he returned to training early and it was suggested that he would take to the field against Manchester City, only for Ferguson to dismiss the idea.



The manager was unwilling to risk the Serbia international in Sunday’s Manchester derby but with an extra week behind him the defender could return to the starting line-up for the visit of Sunderland to Old Trafford.



“It would have been crazy to play him against City but against Sunderland…definitely,” said Ferguson.



“It’s a big bonus to have him back. He is a real competitor with that uncompromising way of his. He likes defending – that’s what it is.



“In the last 18 months he has only had 10 games or something. It is not many games that he has played.



“Now he has no pain in the knee, and it’s a different knee to the one he did his cruciate on.”



United’s defence has been questionable this season with the Reds having conceded 23 goals in 16 Premier League games, but Ferguson expects Vidic to make the difference.



“He’s under pressure isn’t he? But he’ll make a difference, absolutely. He gives us the options,” Ferguson added.



“And to have senior players like that, it’s helpful.”

Vidic set to return, Nani blow

Nemanja Vidic is back in training and could make his Manchester United return next week, but Nani is unlikely to play again this year.

Serbia international defender Vidic could make a surprise comeback in United's Champions League tie at home to Cluj on Wednesday.



The 31-year-old has been out since September after undergoing knee surgery but United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed on Friday his captain had returned to training and an appearance against Cluj at Old Trafford was a possibility.



"It would be nice for him to play on Wednesday," said Ferguson.



"We are not afraid of that."



However, there was less good news about Portugal winger Nani, who has been missing since the beginning of the month with a hamstring injury.



"Nani is going to be out for a longer spell, possibly another four or five weeks," said Ferguson.



The United manager also confirmed Antonio Valencia would miss Saturday's trip to Reading with a hip injury.

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Vidic goes on tour with United

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed skipper Nemanja Vidic will be part of Manchester United's tour of Scandinavia.



Vidic remained in Manchester when United headed off to South Africa and China last month.



However, the Serbian has now completed his recovery from a cruciate operation and will be around to bolster Ferguson's defensive options at a time when both Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling are on the sidelines.



In addition, Brazilian full-back Rafael is still on international duty, meaning Ferguson only has four first-choice defenders available following the return of his Euro 2012 contingent.



"Chris Smalling is out for 10 weeks with his metatarsal operation and Jonny Evans is still just in light training," Ferguson told www.manutd.com.



"They are big losses and they will miss the start of the season.



"Rafael is away but we do have Phil Jones, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra.



"That will be the back four on tour.



"Hopefully we don't get any more injuries as it would leave me a bit short."



United face Norwegian outfit Valerenga on Sunday, then Barcelona in Gothenburg on Wednesday before concluding their pre-season programme away to Bundesliga side Hannover on August 11.



It is anticipated goalkeeper David de Gea will also join the United party earlier than anticipated following Spain's shock group stage Olympic exit.