Sir Alex Ferguson believes Nemanja Vidic will return to the Manchester United side against Tottenham next Saturday, reports The Daily Mail.

Jonny Evans started alongside Rio Ferdinand in the Serbian’s absence, as United secured a scrappy 2-1 win over fierce rivals Liverpool yesterday.

Vidic has only recently come back to the fold following eight-months out due to a damaged anterior cruciate ligament, suffered in the Champions League defeat to Basel in December 2011.

The 30-year-old admitted his knee was not in the best condition, so Ferguson decided not to risk the player at Anfield.

“He was just feeling a bit tight round about his knee and we decided just to give him a break today. Hopefully he’ll be alright next week,” said Ferguson.

The injury would have been a cause for concern to United fans, especially as the side’s defensive frailties last season were evident to see without Vidic - which was one of the main factors which saw the trophy go to the other side of Manchester.

The club captain is expected to be rested for the Capital One Cup tie against Newcastle on Wednesday but will return for the match this weekend with Spurs.