Sir Alex Ferguson is counting on Nemanja Vidic to see Manchester United through a possible injury crisis at Bolton.

Despite a ninth successive clean sheet in last night's 1-0 Premier League win over Wigan at Old Trafford, Ferguson has a few concerns.

In attack, Wayne Rooney will be missing for three weeks and Carlos Tevez is a major doubt after limping out of a challenge by Titus Bramble.

But it is defence where United could be stretched the most. Already without Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, the Red Devils could be missing Jonny Evans at the Reebok Stadium too after the Northern Ireland star suffered an injury that left him struggling to complete the full 90 minutes.

Thank goodness for Nemanja Vidic then. As Ferguson pointed out, the Serbian's defensive masterclass bore comparison with any rival.

"Nemanja was magnificent," said Ferguson.
"It was the best performance you are likely to see from a natural centre-half.

"His reading of the game is excellent and he is as tough as nails. He was absolutely superb."
The same could also be said of Rooney, although the England striker was only on the pitch for six minutes.

It was long enough to do Wigan enough damage to consign them to only a second defeat in eight games though as he tapped home Cristiano Ronaldo's first-minute cross.

"Wayne scored a good goal but he will be out for about three weeks now. Hopefully it is no longer," said Ferguson.

A win at Bolton will be enough for United to leapfrog leaders Liverpool, who do not tackle Everton until Monday night.

Like Ferguson, Wigan boss Steve Bruce has doubts over his personnel for Saturday's encounter with Manchester City at Eastlands.

However, Bruce's fears concern the sale of Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios, who was the subject of a £10million bid from Tottenham that was instantly rejected.

Bruce feels Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will not give in easily and is realistic enough to know it may be impossible for the Latics to hang on to the 20-year-old.
"In two years' time Wilson will be as good a midfielder as there is," said Bruce.

"We will have to see what develops in the next 24 or 48 hours and what Tottenham are prepared to go to," said Bruce.

"The thing is when they agree to come to Wigan we sell these lads a dream. I have been there myself. How do you deny someone like that?"