Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Nemanja Vidic will be on Manchester United's pre-season tour to Scandinavia after missing most of last season through injury.

The centre-back had been sidelined since October with a cruciate knee ligament injury but has provided a timely boost to United's defence with Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans facing spells out.

The Serbian stayed in Manchester to work on his fitness while the Reds headed to South Africa on another tour but he is now ready to return to the team.

United are also without Rafael, who is part of Brazil's Olympic squad.

"Chris Smalling is out for 10 weeks with his metatarsal operation and Jonny Evans is still just in light training," Ferguson told the club's official website.

"They are big losses and will miss the start of the season. Rafael is also away but we do have Phil Jones, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra.

"That will be the back four on tour. Hopefully we don't get any injuries as it would leave me a bit short."

United face Valarenga on Sunday before playing Barcelona in Gothenburg on Wednesday.

They begin the new season with a trip to Everton on August 20.