NEMANJA VIDIC WILL be fit for Manchester United’s opening game of the season against Everton, though Jonny Evans is expected to miss out.
The United captain has not played since suffering a cruciate ligament injury against Basle in last year’s Champions League campaign but is back in full training, although he has not been considered for the club’s tour of South Africa.
Manager Alex Ferguson also revealed that Chris Smalling should also be fit to face the Toffees as he recovers from a ruptured groin, but Evans has not resumed training after undergoing surgery on a broken foot at the end of last season.
“Jonny had the op, but I am not sure that he will be ready to start the season.” Ferguson said. “Fortunately, I don’t think he will be far away.
“I am confident that Vidic will start the season, I am sure of that. He is a bit behind the rest of the players in terms of the competitive element of his condition, so he is far better back at Carrington to work on that.
“Smalling has done a bit of training. He had a ruptured groin and has had a lot of attention in that area.
“He is making gradual progress, though, and I am sure he will start the season.”
United will be captained in South Africa by Rio Ferdinand in the absence of both Vidic and Patrice Evra. Ireland youngster Robbie Brady will start at left-back against Amazalu in Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday, despite being an attacking midfielder by trade.
