After rumours that Nemanja Vidic may have been fit in time for City, Sir Alex Ferguson has said it would have been ridiculous to bring him back for such a big game, although expects him to play against Sunderland.

Jonny Evans might be the one to make way for Vidic after picking up a hamstring injury in the derby.

“To put him in at City for his first game back would be crazy but I think the Sunderland game definitely,” said Ferguson. “Evans had a hamstring problem. He got it in the first half in a challenge from Balotelli but he played on while I had Chris Smalling warming up. It’s okay if you get through the first half but if you try to start again in the second half after cooling down, it can be a problem. So I knew he’d have to come off.”




------------
The RoM Manchester United 2024-25 season preview is now available. It includes articles from the country's best football writers about our expectations for the season ahead and our brightest talents, as well as proposed transfer business and which youth players to keep an eye out for. All profit goes to The Christie so please support this fantastic cause.