United in Vidic out for year fear

NEMANJA VIDIC could be out for the season, it emerged last night.

Skipper Vidic hobbled back home on crutches yesterday after being crocked as Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League against Basel.

Fears are growing in the United camp that he will be sidelined until at least April.

Vidic arrived back at Manchester Airport nursing a medial ligament injury after United's 2-1 defeat in Switzerland.

The 30-year-old centre-back went off just before the break on Wednesday night after tangling with Marco Streller — who inadvertently fell on the United star's right knee.

It is a major blow to United, who had enjoyed six clean sheets in eight games with Vidic in the side since his return from a calf injury.

The Serbian star will have a scan today to assess the full extent of his injury.

But boss Alex Ferguson was not optimistic after the match.

Vidic was replaced by Jonny Evans as United were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage for only the second time since 1994.

They are now in the Europa League with Manchester City for the first time in their history.