Manchester United Football Club

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68174

Vidic to miss United opener

07 Aug 2009 - 10:55:21

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Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic will miss the start of the Premier League season with a calf problem.

The Serbia international has suffered an injury-plagued pre-season and is still two weeks away from full-fitness, according to United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Vidic will miss Sunday's Community Shield encounter against Chelsea and the season-opener at home to Birmingham City on August 16.

Ferguson has also confirmed that fellow defenders Wes Brown and Gary Neville will amiss the Wembley game with slight thigh and groin problems respectively.

"Neither Wes or Nemanja have long-term injuries. I would expect Wes to be fit for the (Birmingham) game a week on Sunday," he confirmed.

"As for Vidic he pulled his calf in the warm-up in Munich (on July 27) and is two weeks away.

"Gary is doing a little bit of training and coming on fine but I do not think he will make Sunday."