Manchester United’s hopes of winning the Premier League (5/2 to win title) have been boosted by the news Nemanja Vidic has penned a new deal but Rio Ferdinand could be missing for another six weeks.

Central defence is a key area as Manchester United look to win the title back from Chelsea, but at one stage it looked as though neither of the influential duo would be in the first team for the opening-day clash at home to Newcastle (United 1/5 to win).

Ferdinand will be missing as he battles to recover from the knee injury that he picked up at the World Cup with England but at least Vidic will be on board after penning a new deal.

The Serbian had been strongly linked with a move away from the club with Real Madrid known to be keen but thankfully from a United point of view, Vidic has had a word with the wife and all now appears to be well.

Rumours suggested that Vidic would seek a move as his wife was not settled living in England but they have now been dispelled as the player has penned an extension which means he will be at Old Trafford for the next four years, much to the delight of Sir Alex Ferguson.

“Over the last year or so there has been speculation about Nemanja time and time again, sometimes by the press, sometimes fuelled by other sources,” Fergie revealed.

“But we never had a strong feeling he really wanted to leave. There is always concern if they do well they want better contracts. At the end of the day we have managed to achieve the task of getting him to agree a four-year contract.

“We are delighted, he is fantastic centre-half, a great competitor with a marvellous attitude to winning games. It strengthens our hand.”

With Vidic in place for the long-term barring any injuries, Ferguson is now hoping to get Ferdinand back as soon as possibile but it looks like being another six weeks.

Ferguson does have other options in the form of Jonny Evans, Wes Brown and Chris Smalling and the Reds boss will have to turn to one of those three while Ferdinand battles back.

Fergie has been linked with central defenders all summer but now that Vidic has pledged his future to the club it seems as though that search is on hold even if doubts persist over the fitness of Ferdinand.

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