United defender Vidic dashes hopes of early return as he targets next season

By Sportsmail Reporter

PUBLISHED: 14:43 GMT, 21 March 2012 | UPDATED: 14:43 GMT, 21 March 2012

Manchester United skipper Nemanja Vidic has confirmed he is on course for a return to action at the start of next season.

Vidic ruptured his cruciate ligament during December's Champions League defeat to Basel.

Injury blow: Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic (right)

The 30-year-old was immediately ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, and although there were suggestions he may be back sooner, in a webchat with the official United website he said his target was pre-season training.

'My recovery is going well,' he said.

'Obviously the projection was I would be ready for the next season. I am on schedule and will hopefully start training again in July.'

Vidic has been confined to gym work during the early weeks of his rehabilitation, although that will be stepped up as the months go on.

In the meantime, the Serbian has been reduced to a watching brief as United head for a record 20th Premier League title.

On track: Vidic hopes to be fit for start of next season

Although Patrick Vieira has cast doubt on United's credentials, Vidic does not share his view.

He may be wary of saying any games are easier than others, but because of United's fixtures on the run-in he feels they deserve to be favourites.

'I've had the belief from the beginning and if you look at the schedule of the games we have left to play I would like to say we are the favourites,' he told www.manutd.com.

'We still have to win the nine games and need to be focused.

'We believed from the beginning and have the confidence but we have nine Champions League final games now I would say.

'It's all in our hands. We have to focus and give our best.

Key man: Antonio Valencia has been crucial to United

'All the players are ready to perform which is a good sign and a positive thing for the nine games ahead.'

Vidic has been heartened by recent performances as United have opened up a four-point lead at the top of the table ahead of Manchester City's key encounter with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

And while he accepts Wayne Rooney's 27-goal contribution to United's campaign has been crucial, Vidic feels Antonio Valencia has been the key man.

'He's a great player to play with,' he said.

'First of all he's a team player who works hard for the team and makes a difference up front.

'He's done it so many times this season and it seems like he's made a step up and improved.

'I would say he is our best player this season.

'There are one or two others, like Wazza's had a great season and has scored a lot of goals.

'But Antonio has done really well. It's important he's fit and plays all the games because we need him at this time of the season.'