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Vidic in squad to face Sunderland

Nemanja Vidic looks set to return to action for Manchester United © PA Photos

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Defender Nemanja Vidic has been included in the Manchester United squad to face Sunderland on Saturday.

Vidic has not played for United since suffering a knee injury that required surgery in September, but is available for selection once again after returning to training last week.

"Nemanja is back in the squad, which is big news in terms of the experience he brings to the squad," said Ferguson.

"His defensive qualities are well renowned by now, and he is our captain."

The Scot refused to confirm whether Vidic would start the game at Old Trafford, but his hand might be forced after Jonny Evans was ruled out of the contest with a hamstring injury - an issue he suffered during the derby victory over Manchester City.

"Whether I start him or not is another issue, but it is good to have him back," Ferguson said of Vidic. "I felt it would be a problem for Jonny at the start of the second half last week."

The game also comes too soon for Nani but there was some good news elsewhere, with attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa due to begin first-team training once again after being ruled out for two months.

"Shinji Kagawa should start training with the first team on Monday, which is good news," the Scot noted. "He's doing very well now."

Ferguson confirmed there were no ongoing concerns over Rio Ferdinand, following the nasty gash to his head the defender suffered at the end of last weekend's match at the Etihad Stadium.

The Scot is not convinced that netting around some parts of the stadium would prevent similar events occurring again.

"He's okay, no problem," Ferguson said. "I'm not so sure about that [netting]. I think maybe [Borussia] Dortmund have that, actually, but it's happened to us on a couple of occasions - at Chelsea and then last week - but it's not a consistent thing.

"Stewarding is a better policy, I think."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.