Manchester United: Nemanja Vidic to miss start of pre-season tour

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic will miss the start of the club's pre-season tour because of sciatica.

The 31-year-old defender did not fly to Bangkok on Wednesday, but United say the problem is not serious and the Serb is likely join the tour in due course.

"He'll continue his pre-season preparations in Manchester," read a club statement.

United begin their tour on Saturday against Singha All Star XI, and then play in Australia, Japan and Hong Kong.

Manager David Moyes has taken a 19-man squad, including former Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.

Vidic has been troubled with injuries in recent years, making a total of 25 Premier League appearances in the past two seasons.

The centre-half sustained a knee injury in December 2011 which ended his season and affected him further in 2012-13.

His latest problem is pain stemming from nerves in his back.

United face Wigan in the Community Shield on 11 August before beginning the defence of their Premier League title away to Swansea the following Saturday, in a game which will now kick-off at 17:30 BST.