Vidic unfazed by Ferguson ban

Vidic does not think Ferguson's ban will cause any problems (GETTY IMAGES)

Nemanja Vidic insists Sir Alex Ferguson's two-game touchline ban will not make any difference to Manchester United.

Ferguson's ban for his comments about referee Alan Wiley starts on Saturday when Everton visit Old Trafford - bad timing for the defending champions who have slipped to third place, five points behind leaders Chelsea.

But Serbian defender Vidic believes insists that the players will be unaffected by their manager's absence from the dug-out.

Vidic told Sky Sports News: "In that aspect I don't think there will be a big difference. He sees everything and he will still have contact with the second coach [Mike Phelan].

"We know what is waiting for us and what he expects of us - nothing changes. During the game you are focused and you don't look over to the bench.

"We have some big games coming up, especially after Chelsea moved five points ahead of us, and now the next three or four games are very important to us.

"I hope we show the character to win the games without him."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has been linked with a move for Everton's teenage midfielder Jack Rodwell, valued at £20million.

The United boss has the majority of the £80m fee received for Cristiano Ronaldo burning a hole in his pocket and although he is normally reluctant to make signings in January, the United boss has hinted he may do so in the next transfer window.