Manchester United captain has revealed that he is already preparing for next season.

The Serbian defender has been out of action since December with a knee injury sustained while on Champions League duty.

Speculation had suggested that the 30-year-old could return before the end of the current campaign.

However, Vidic has insisted that he never contemplated the prospect of turning out for the Red Devils again before May.

"I never thought about coming back," he said. "I am not pushing. I am lucky, the manager and the physios and the doctor weren't trying to beat the record.

"They didn't want me to come back in five months. There would be no point rushing to play one or two games.

"As soon as I got the injury and had the operation, I knew I wouldn't be back. I am just thinking about next season."

Vidic joined United in 2006 from Spartak Moscow.