Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is losing patience with Nemanja Vidic. The Times says Ferguson's mounting frustration with Nemanja Vidic was laid bare yesterday when the Manchester United manager struggled to conceal his dismay at the defender's reluctance to return to action.

Vidic is firmly expected to leave Old Trafford in the summer, probably for Real Madrid, but while Ferguson emphasised that he wants the Serb to stay at the club, the manager is becoming irritated by the centre half's insistence that he is not fit to play despite returning to full training ten days ago.

Vidic's wife is desperate to move to Spain or Italy, with Real leading the chase for his signature ahead of AC Milan and Barcelona.