Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he's relieved Nemanja Vidic is available for today's clash with Aston Villa.

Vidic's return will be crucial as United look to deal with the aerial threat posed by centre forward John Carew.

It will also be interesting to see if Martin O'Neill tries to take maximum advantage of United's injury problems by playing striker Emile Heskey from the start.

Ferguson said: "Villa cross the ball a lot and, if they play Carew and Heskey up front, it presents you with a formidable task. They are big lads and good in the air and Vidic is one player who can cope with that.

"The remarkable thing about what Martin has done at Villa is that he seems to pick the same team every week and that has given him consistency.

"This will be a big test for us so we are really glad that Vidic is back. I would think that Carrick will play alongside him and that Fletcher would play at right back."