• Premier League

Blow for Utd as Vidic return delayed until Christmas

ESPN staff
November 2, 2012
Nemanja Vidic might not be seen in action for a while © Getty Images
Enlarge

Manchester United are resigned to being without captain Nemanja Vidic until Christmas, as the defender continues his recovery from a knee injury.

The Serbian had only just recovered from a cruciate ligament injury that prematurely ended his 2011-12 season when he suffered another injury to the same knee at the end of September, making five appearances for the first team before once again undergoing surgery.

The initial prognosis suggested a November return was on the cards but manager Sir Alex Ferguson does not now expect to use Vidic before the hectic Christmas period, after a pessimistic update on his fitness.

"I think we're talking around December for Vidic," Ferguson told MUTV. "Maybe around Christmas time."

United have struggled in defence this season but could be boosted by the return of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, who have both yet to feature this season.

Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans have been the only senior centre-backs available to Ferguson of late.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices