Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic could make a shock comeback from injury next week in the club’s Champions League match against FC Cluj.

Vidic was expected to be out of action with a knee injury until the New Year but Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that the Serbian defender has returned to training quicker than the club expected.

Ferguson has also confirmed that Vidic has only returned to light training but considering recent defensive frailties, he would not be adverse to starting Vidic in the match against Cluj next week.

Ferguson told the BBC:

“Vidic has probably only played about 10 or 12 games in the last 18 months. He started training during the week and he’s done OK.

He hasn’t been involved in the really competitive part, but at least he’s back with the rest.”

The news is a massive boost for the club because the defence has been lacking leadership in Vidic’s absence. United have regularly fallen behind in matches this season and the return of Vidic will no doubt ease that problem.

He will also help ease the burden on other defensive players as United head into a busy Christmas and New Year period. The club now have all key central defenders fit and competing for the two starting places in the team.

Vidic has played just four Premier League matches this season so his sharpness may take a little time to return but he will undoubtedly help United maintain the defensive improvements they showed in the mid-week win over West Ham United.

If Vidic is included in the side for the match against Cluj and comes through the tie without further problems, he will be in pole position to lead United in the derby match away at Manchester City on December 9.

Considering that United lost both derby matches against City last season, the importance of Vidic quickly getting some match practice under his belt and getting back to his best is paramount.