Vidic nearing 'full recovery'

Vidic nearing 'full recovery'

Published Feb. 26, 2013 7:15 a.m. ET

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic believes he will soon be over the knee injury that has plagued him over the last two seasons.

The central defender has been limited to just 14 starts since December 2011, when he suffered ligament damage in a Champions League tie against Basel.

He missed the remainder of that campaign and then required another operation in September 2012, before returning to action before the turn of the year.

Sir Alex Ferguson has used him sparingly since and Vidic is confident that cautious approach could see him back in the reckoning full-time in time for the season's climax.

ADVERTISEMENT

"With playing Wednesday and Saturday, some games I have to think if it's good for myself to play or not," the Serbia defender told BBC Radio Manchester.

"After every game I feel better and better, which is a good sign.

"Sometimes I will get reactions, sometimes not.

"When I have got through two or three months without injuries, I will be fine. It's not long-term. It's normal procedure after this kind of operation.

"We have to manage the knee for the next two or three months and after that it's going to be normal."

United's 2-0 win at QPR on Saturday ensured they remain firmly on course for the league title, with the gap between to second-placed Manchester City currently standing at 12 points with 11 games left to play.

Someone who has been a part of all the Red Devils' previous 12 triumphant Premier League campaigns is Ryan Giggs, who netted the team's second goal at Loftus Road.

Even at 39, the midfielder remains a key player for United and Vidic has paid tribute to Giggs.

"Ryan is very professional and is such an example for the young players," Vidic said.

"They see how you have to treat yourself and educate yourself in football to be a great player. Of course he has the quality and ability as well.

"He is a great example of how to be professional and to play at the top for so long.

"We have quite a few players like that. Rio (Ferdinand) is the same. He is a committed professional the same as Paul Scholes."

share