Reports: United to let Vidic ban lie

Manchester United will not appeal against Nemanja Vidic’s two-match ban in the Champions League, according to reports in the UK.

Vidic was sent off in the 2-0 win against Otelul Galati in Bucharest on November 2 for a high, ill-timed challenge.

United manager Alex Ferguson said he could understand why it had been deemed a red card offence, even if he did not agree with it.

According to The Telegraph, with UEFA’s disciplinary panel sitting on Thursday, United will accept the charge and will go into their final two Group C games against Benfica and Basel without their captain.

English Premier League holders United top the group alongside Liga Sagres club Benfica and are three points clear of Swiss outfit Basel, meaning a win against the former next Tuesday would all but qualify Ferguson’s men for the knockout stages of the competition.

A loss to Benfica, however, would mean a difficult trip for their final group game against Basel, who came from two goals down at Old Trafford to lead 3-2 before United struck late to force a draw.

Ferguson will also be without Chris Smalling due to a broken foot, and with form and fitness concerns over Rio Ferdinand, he will hope to avoid any further problems against Swansea City on Saturday.