Manchester United Captain Misses Start of Pre-Season Tour

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic will miss the beginning of the club's pre-season tour with a suspected sciatica problem.

The Serbian was not present as the club's travelling party departed for Bangkok, despite featuring alongside new manager David Moyes during the former Everton boss' official unveiling last Friday where he showed no signs of any on-going injury.

The Premier League champions set off for the pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia on Wednesday afternoon, also leaving without Chris Smalling, Ashley Young and Nani, whom are all still recovering from injury. Robin van Persie, Shinji Kagawa and David de Gea were also absent after being given an extended break, but will link up with their teammates in Sydney next week.

The club have offered no explanation for Vidic's omission from the travelling squad, but the Guardian report a sciatica problem could be the cause of concern, given the Serbian international's previous injury problems.

The 31-year-old has suffered from two serious knee injuries in the past two seasons; initially ruled out in December 2011 after suffering knee ligament damage in a Champions League tie with Basel. The former Red Star Belgrade defender returned for the start of the 2012/13 season, but was ruled out for a further four months a month into the campaign.

While the imposing defender still holds an influential position within the United squad, his lack of playing time has been a concern in the past, although his 17 appearances in the second half of last season will have held much promise.

United's travelling party also included a number of youngsters including defender Michael Keane, midfielders Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj, while new signing Wilfried Zaha is also part of the squad.

"He has only been with us for two days but I will take him away, see how he goes and have a look," Moyes said of the former Crystal Palace's winger's inclusion.

United will begin their tour against Singha All Stars on Saturday, before taking on A-League All Stars, Yokohama F-Marinos and Cerezo Osaka throughout July.