Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits defender Nemanja Vidic will miss the start of the season.

Vidic has been ruled out of the Community Shield showpiece against Chelsea on Sunday at Wembley and the following game with Birmingham because of a calf injury.

Wes Brown is also sidelined this weekend with a thigh problem but is expected back for the opening league match while Gary Neville is unavailable because of a groin strain.

Ferguson said: "Neither Wes or Nemanja have long-term injuries. I would expect Wes to be fit for the game a week on Sunday.

"As for Vidic he pulled his calf in the warm-up in Munich (against Bayern Munich) and is two weeks away.

"Gary is doing a little bit of training and coming on fine but I do not think he will make Sunday."