Concern surrounds Nemanja Vidic with Manchester United captain a shock absentee from pre-season tour

There has been no explanation from the club

Nemanja Vidic applauds United’s victory over Reading (PA)

The fitness of Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has shot to the top of the agenda for David Moyes.

It emerged today that the centre-back was absent from the club's pre-season touring squad.

It cam as a surprise with no hint of any problem on Friday when Vidic attended the official unveiling of Moyes as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor. There was no immediate explanation from the club.

While his absence may be connected to the treatment received by the Serbian on the chronic knee injury that ruled him out for virtually 12 months, any fresh problem would be a concern.

As anticipated, Robin van Persie and David de Gea both miss Saturday's opener in Bangkok after being given additional time off following their summer international commitments, although they are due to join up in Sydney.

And, just as David Moyes predicted, injury victims Chris Smalling (foot), Ashley Young (ankle) and Nani (broken nose) were also missing due to injury.

In addition to Van Persie and De Gea, Shinji Kagawa will also be a late arrival, linking up with his team-mates in Japan on July 21 after a rest following his country's Confederations Cup campaign.