Boxing Day Premier League clash between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford

Sir Alex Ferguson expects Nemanja Vidic and Anderson to be available for Manchester United's Boxing Day encounter with Sunderland despite becoming victims of a flu virus that has swept through the club's Carrington training ground. Both would have missed Sunday's trip to Chelsea had it not been postponed but have now returned to training, along with Michael Carrick and Nani, who have also been affected. Paul Scholes (groin) and John O'Shea (calf) are out as United look to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce faces major selection problems with seven senior players missing. Skipper Lee Cattermole is suspended after reaching five bookings for the season while striker Danny Welbeck is ineligible under the terms of his loan agreement with United. Central defender John Mensah is likely to be out for three weeks with the ankle injury he suffered during last weekend's 1-0 win over Bolton and he joins Titus Bramble and Michael Turner (both knee) on the sidelines. In addition, David Meyler suffered a knock on his return from a long-term knee injury at Fulham while Fraizer Campbell (also knee) continues to work his way back to full fitness. read more