Manchester United accept Nemanja Vidic’s two-match Champions League ban

Nemanja Vidic will miss Manchester United’s Champions League clash against Benfica next Tuesday following the club’s decision not to appeal against the defender’s two-match ban for a red card against Otelul Galati last month.

Vidic was dismissed by German referee Felix Brych for a late challenge on Galati forward Gabriel Giurgiu during the 2-0 victory in Bucharest, prompting Uefa officials on duty at the game to confirm that the Serbian would receive an automatic one-match suspension as punishment.

Uefa contacted Manchester United prior to the home fixture against Galati earlier this month, however, to inform the club that Vidic would instead be banned for two games as a result of the challenge.

With Chris Smalling sidelined with a broken foot, Vidic’s absence against Benfica could prove costly if United suffer further defensive injury problems against Swansea City this weekend.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson initially described Vidic’s dismissal as “very harsh”, before conceding: “I can understand the referee’s interpretation because German football is different to England.”

United have therefore opted not to contest the decision when Uefa’s disciplinary review panel sits in Nyon on Thursday. United can secure qualification for the Champions League knockout stages if they defeat Benfica at Old Trafford.

Off the field, United’s financial productivity remains healthy, however, following the release of quarterly accounts which revealed a 16.5 per cent rise in first-quarter turnover.

Although United reported a first-quarter loss of £6.9million as a result of rising financing costs, the figures revealed growth in all areas, with the commercial side benefiting from the £40million sponsorship deal with DHL.

Media revenues were up from £19.4million to £22.6million, largely thanks to United’s status as Premier League champions ensuring they get a larger share of the Champions League pot, and a lucrative five-match tour of the United States.

In addition, matchday income has also grown 9.6 per cent to £21.6million, thanks to the first complete sell-out of seasonal hospitality boxes since the Old Trafford quadrants were completed in 2006. United’s gross debt now stands at £433.2million.

The club have reported a reduction in cash reserves from £151.7million at the end of last season to £65million following summer investment in the squad and stadium.