Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased to ease Nemanja Vidic back into action during victory over Sunderland.

The Serbian has made just 14 appearances since August 2011 and Ferguson knows what a vital contribution he could make in the months ahead.

"It will take him a bit of time but that is a start," he said. "He is a warrior and he is our captain.

"He always battles for you and sticks his head on that ball in the penalty area. That is what he is great at."