LONDON: Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic was a surprise absentee as the Premier League champions prepared to fly out for their pre-season tour of east Asia and Australia yesterday.
Vidic was missing from the 19-man United squad that set off yesterday, with no immediate explanation offered for the Serbia star’s omission.
There was no hint of any problem on Friday when Vidic attended the official unveiling of David Moyes as United’s new manager.
His absence may be connected to the treatment he needs for a chronic knee injury that has ruled him out for virtually 12 months and a fresh problem would be a major concern for Moyes ahead of his first season in charge at Old Trafford after succeeding Alex Ferguson.
As anticipated, Dutch striker Robin van Persie and Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea will both miss Saturday’s opener against a Singha All Star XI in Bangkok after being given additional time off following their international commitments, although they are due to join up with Moyes’ men in Sydney.
Japanese midfielder 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.
Javier Hernandez, rested after international duty, Chris Smalling (foot), Ashley Young (ankle) and Nani (broken nose) were also missing from the tour party.
Earlier, Moyes confirmed that new signing Wilfried Zaha will join Manchester United’s squad for their pre-season tour of east Asia and Australia.
Zaha only began pre-season training on Monday and Moyes wanted to talk to the former Crystal Palace man before deciding whether to take him along on the trip.
“He will travel with us on the tour,” Moyes told talkSPORT radio station.
He added: “He has only been with us for two days but I will take him away, see how he goes and have a look.” AFP
