Vidic was rested for the 2-1 weekend win at Liverpool after complaining of tightness in his right knee but further tests revealed the true extent of the problem, and the Serb has since had a meniscus operation.

“Nemanja Vidic has had a meniscus operation on his right knee and will be out for around eight weeks,” a club statement read. “Sir Alex (Ferguson), as a precautionary measure, rested Vidic at the weekend, after he complained of tightness in his knee, however, further medical investigation revealed the underlying problem.”