Manchester United dealt blow as knee surgery rules Vidic out for two months

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has been ruled out of action for two months after undergoing knee surgery.

The United captain missed out on his side’s 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday with Sir Alex Ferguson revealing it was a precautionary measure.

However, the club has now revealed the 30-year-old is set to miss a host of key matches including clashes with title rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

A statement released on the club’s official website read: "Nemanja Vidic has had a meniscus operation on his right knee.

"Sir Alex, 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.

"The central defender was operated on this week and will be sidelined for about eight weeks."

The Serbian only returned to action at the start of the season following a long spell on the sidelines due to a knee ligament injury picked up in United's Champions League clash at Basel last December.

Sir Alex has had a host of defenders missing with various injuries so far this season - with Chris Smalling and Phil Jones yet to make an appearance.