Vidic hit by virus

Nemanja Vidic is suffering from a virus and faces a race against time to be fit for United’s clash with Portsmouth on Wednesday night.

The Serbian centre-back missed Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur, with Wes Brown shifting from his usual right back spot to partner Rio Ferdinand in the middle.

Speaking after the Reds’ cup win, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV 26-year-old Vidic may not be ready for Wednesday night.

“Vidic had a virus so he didn’t play against Spurs,” the boss said.

“The doctor went to see him yesterday and he was quite poorly. In fact, his whole family aren’t too good at the moment.

“We’ll see what he’s like during the week but whether he’ll be ready for Wednesday, I don’t know.”

Prior to Sunday's cup clash with Spurs, Vidic had missed just four matches all season. He had started 28 games for the Reds, more than any other United player except his central defensive partner, Rio Ferdinand, who moved on to 29 starts after helping United to victory at the weekend.