Sir Alex Ferguson's men flew out to Italy on Monday morning for Tuesday's encounter with an AC Milan side featuring former player David Beckham.
Vidic, who has yet to play in 2010 after developing a nerve problem in his leg, was ruled out, leaving Ferguson to decide whether Jonny Evans or Wes Brown should partner new England skipper Rio Ferdinand in central defence.
Ryan Giggs is also missing after breaking an arm in last week's draw at Aston Villa, but the remainder of United's first-team squad, with the exception of out-of-favour midfielder Anderson, made the two-hour trip for a meeting with the seven-time winners who have beaten United on all four occasions they have met in a two-legged European tie.
Despite missing the tie Giggs knows enough about Beckham to be certain that at his core, the former England skipper remains passionate about the game that has provided his passport to fame and fortune, so focused he expects him still to be operating at the highest level in another four years.
"We are different in the sense he has been in the limelight, front page and back, while I prefer to keep myself to myself," said Giggs. "But I still speak to him. He has not changed as a person.
"He has always loved football. He has always been dedicated and that is still the same now.
"Like myself, Becks looks after himself. He is naturally fit and is a natural athlete, so I am not surprised he is still going at all.
"In fact I reckon he will keep going for another three or four years."
Source: PA
Source: PA