Nemanja Vidic ruled out of Manchester United's Champions League fixture against Cluj

Captain has been out since September

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic (GETTY IMAGES)

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Nemanja Vidic will not be involved in Manchester United's Champions League encounter with Cluj at Old Trafford tomorrow.

On Friday, United boss Ferguson said there was a chance Vidic could be in the squad following knee surgery in September and the 31-year-old did train at Carrington this morning.

However, tomorrow's game will come too early in his recovery and he will not be considered for Sunday's Manchester derby either.

"I do not think he will play," said Ferguson.

"He feels he needs another few days' training. He will not play in the derby if he doesn't play tomorrow, although I wasn't considering him for Sunday anyway."

Ferguson also confirmed Japan international Shinji Kagawa had returned to training after his own knee injury and there is an outside chance he could be involved at the weekend.

"He's showing good promise now. It is much better and I don't think he is far away," said Ferguson.

Meanwhile, Ferguson confirmed that while he will make changes to his line up tomorrow, Wayne Rooney will be in his starting XI.

"It has always been the case that Wayne needs to be playing games to get his match fitness," said Ferguson.

"He is a really strongly built lad. If he misses a game he needs three to come back."

Ferguson also spoke about United's Kamikaze defending, which has seen them concede an incredible 32 goals already this season, including another three at Reading on Saturday.

"Cartoon Cavalcade," said the Scot. "It is a concern.

"We are getting punished for every ball that goes into our box at the moment but we should be defending far better. We expect to do better.

"It is a worry. If we perform like that on Sunday God knows what is going to happen to us."

PA