Vidic to meet United team-mates

Nemanja Vidic will link up with his Manchester United team-mates this morning after having his work permit granted.

Alex Ferguson has made Vidic the first major signing of the Malcolm Glazer era by splashing out £7m (€10.1m) on the Serbia defender.

The 24-year-old was due to arrive in England last night and was expected to train with United for the first time today.

However, given the short time scale and his lack of match practice since the Russian season ended in November, the former Spartak Moscow star is unlikely to be involved in Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Burton Albion.

Although Vidic impressed with Spartak, it is his performances for the Serbian national side that brought him to Ferguson’s attention.

Vidic was part of the Serbs’ ’Famous Four’ defence, which conceded just one goal in qualifying for next summer’s World Cup in Germany.

“As I keep pointing out, good defenders win you things,” Ferguson told MUTV.

“In my time we have had people like Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Paul Parker, Denis Irwin, Ronnie Johnson and Jaap Stam.

“This lad is really natural and athletic. I know you need good defenders and that is exactly what this lad is.”

If Vidic is not involved in the Burton tie, he could get a run out in a reserve-team fixture against Leeds on January 12, putting him in line for a potential Premiership debut against Manchester City the following weekend or Liverpool on January 22.

Meanwhile, United are hopeful of winning the battle with Inter Milan to sign Monaco full-back Patrice Evra.

The French international, whose arrival could signal the end of Mikael Silvestre’s Old Trafford career, has been axed for tonight’s French league clash with Auxerre.

Monaco are now resigned to losing the talented defender but are holding out for their £5m (€7.2m) asking price.

Inter are thought to have offered £3.5m (€5.1m) and, while United have yet to make a move, it seems only a matter of time before Ferguson lodges a formal bid.