Manchester Uniteds Nemanja Vidic ruled out of Champions League tie with AC Milan
Nemanja Vidic has been ruled out of Manchester Uniteds Champions League last-16 tie against AC Milan tomorrow night.
Sir Alex Fergusons squad flew to Italy this morning without the Serbian defender, as they prepare to line up against David Beckham for the first time since the England midfielder left Old Trafford 6 years ago.
Vidic has not played this year since developing a nerve problem in his leg, with Jonny Evans or Wes Brown expected to partner Rio Ferdinand in central defence, while Anderson, the out-of-favour Brazilian, has also remained in Manchester.
Ryan Giggs will also miss the reunion with Beckham having fractured his arm against Aston Villa last week, however, the veteran winger is all too aware of the dangers posed by his former team-mate.
I hope he doesnt do anything nasty to us, Giggs said. He is a quality player and has always risen to the occasion. With the right foot he has he can just ping balls 50 yards or make a five or ten-yard pass. He has amazing accuracy. And we must try not to give free-kicks away from 25 or 30 yards out because he is capable of putting them into the top corner.
Hopefully he will enjoy it - but not that much.
Ferguson, who sold Beckham to Real Madrid in July 2003 after becoming dismayed with his celebrity lifestyle, has already warned his players not to allow the circus surrounding Beckham to cloud their focus but Giggs says the former England captain has always loved the game first and foremost.
We are different in the sense he has been in the limelight, front page and back, while I prefer to keep myself to myself, Giggs said. But I still speak to him. He has not changed as a person. He has always loved football. He has always been dedicated and that is still the same now. Like myself, Becks looks after himself. He is naturally fit and is a natural athlete, so I am not surprised he is still going at all.
In fact I reckon he will keep going for another three or four years.
