Rio Ferdinand omitted from Manchester United squad

Rio Ferdinand has been left out of Manchester United's squad for their Champions League Group C match at Romanian side Otelul Galati.

The England defender was also rested for United's trip to Benfica last month, but Nemanja Vidic returns to the backline after manager Sir Alex Ferguson decided not the risk the Serbian in last weekend's draw with Liverpool following his recent recovery from a calf injury.

Dimitar Berbatov, who also missed the Anfield contest, is included in the squad while Phil Jones has recovered from a knock he picked up on Saturday.

Tom Cleverley (foot) and Rafael (shoulder) remain on the sidelines, although they are nearing a return to full fitness.

Provisional squad: De Gea, Lindegaard, Amos, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Jones, Smalling, Vidic, Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher, Giggs, Nani, Park, Young, Valencia, Berbatov, Diouf, Hernandez, Owen, Rooney, Welbeck.

PA