Vidic banned for two matches

(GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has been banned for two games following his sending-off during the 4-1 home defeat by Liverpool on Saturday.

The Serb, shown a straight red card for hauling down Steven Gerrard outside the area, will sit out United's Premier League matches at Fulham and at home to Aston Villa.

As it was Vidic's second red card of the season - the other also against Liverpool for two bookable offences in a 2-1 loss at Anfield in September - it means he misses two matches.

United lead the standings by four points with 10 games remaining and have a match in hand over nearest challengers Liverpool and Chelsea.