Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with the depth he now has at centre-half.

Ferguson anticipates having injured skipper Nemanja Vidic available when the new Premier League season gets underway on August 18. The question is whether he can get in the team.

"Hopefully - and I think I am right - we are in a really strong position with centre-backs," said Ferguson.

"Jones and Smalling were bought for the long-term and have proved they can play in other positions of course and when Vidic comes back at the start of next season we will have a strong defensive core there.

"He won't travel with us on the pre-season tour but he will certainly be ready for the start of the season.

"Then I can pick and choose whatever two I fancy or whatever two are in consistent form."