Manchester United's key centre-half Nemanja Vidic is expected to return to the line-up for this weekend's home clash with Aston Villa.

The Serbia international missed United's successful Champions League trip to Wolfsburg midweek because of illness but has since recovered and will take his place when Villa come to Old Trafford on Saturday.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson said the addition of Vidic to a makeshift defence would be of great value to the team.

"I expect Vidic to be fit and if he is available we would have him and Michael Carrick, plus Darren Fletcher and Patrice Evra," Ferguson said.

"I would be happy enough with that."