Nemanja Vidic back in action for Manchester United as Nani strikes in Crewe friendly.

Nemanja Vidic gave Manchester United a boost when he came through an hour playing for a second-string side in a pre-season friendly.

The defender missed the tour of Australia and the Far East with a back complaint but the Serbian managed to play 62 minutes at Gresty Road in a 2-0 victory over Crewe tonight.

Vidic sat out the club’s tour with what United described as ‘a touch of sciatica’. He was out of action for almost a year in 2012 with a knee injury and was carefully managed by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

 The friendly game saw appearances by Nani and Antonio Valencia, also players who missed the pre-season trip. Nani scored both goals.

The Portugal international, who has been recovering from a broken nose, scored a first-half free-kick and added a second after the break.

There were reports earlier in the day Nani may be on his way out of Old Trafford, with claims a switch to Monaco may be on the cards.