There had been suggestions that the Serbian defender would make a sensational return for United’s run-in despite being ruled out until the end of the season after suffering cruciate ligament damage in the Champions League defeat at Basel on December 7. But sources have described Vidic’s recovery as “steady but very slow” and he will not feature this season, with United instead aiming for the 30-year-old to be fit for the scheduled pre-season tour of Asia in July. Vidic is actually three weeks behind schedule in his rehabilitation as United were forced to delay the operation until New Year’s Day due to swelling and damage around the knee. He is walking unaided but is still at the stage of his recovery where he is concentrating on maintaining his general fitness and core strength at the club’s Carrington training base. The centre-back is working with United\'s physiotherapists in the indoor facilities, particularly the hydrotherapy pool, and is yet to do any running or outdoor ball work. Sir Alex Ferguson and his medical staff are refusing to take risks after such a serious injury and will not rush Vidic back into action as they are mindful that a setback could further delay his return. Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans have become Ferguson’s first-choice centre-back pairing in Vidic’s absence but United have still missed the influence of their club captain. Vidic has become one of United’s most important players since moving to Old Trafford from Spartak Moscow for £7 million in 2006, winning four Premier League titles as well as the Champions League in 2008.