( CNN ) -- Two days after an embarrassingly early European Champions League exit , Manchester United have been dealt a further blow with the news that club captain Nemanja Vidic will miss the rest of this season . The defender was stretchered off during Wednesday 's 2-1 defeat to Basel in Switzerland , a result which saw last season 's finalists exit Europe 's premier club competition at the group stage for the first time in six years . The Serbia international has ruptured cruciate ligaments in his knee , and manager Alex Ferguson said the 30-year-old will see a specialist on Monday to reveal the full extent of the injury . `` We thought it was a bad one , '' the Scot told reporters on Friday . `` He 's out for the season . It 's not unexpected but it 's still bad news . '' The 19-time English champions are second in the Premier League , five points behind arch-rivals Manchester City ahead of Saturday 's home match against Wolverhampton Wanderers . Vidic 's injury limits United 's options in central defense , with experienced England international Rio Ferdinand to partner Northern Ireland 's Jonny Evans or one of versatile young duo Phil Jones and Chris Smalling . `` He 'll see a specialist on Monday to work out the progress of when he has the operation , '' confirmed Ferguson . `` It wo n't be immediate as we have to let the swelling come down . `` We 'll now have to choose between Jonny Evans , Phil Jones and Chris Smalling . I thought Rio had his best game of season on Wednesday . His experience will be vital . '' Vidic is part of a growing injury list at Old Trafford , with Mexico striker Javier Hernandez also sidelined after damaging an ankle during last week 's 1-0 win over Aston Villa . Midfielders Anderson and Tom Cleverley , Brazilian twins Fabio and Rafael da Silva , and veteran striker Michael Owen are also out . However , Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov could return for Saturday 's clash with Mick McCarthy 's 16th-placed Wolves .
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic is ruled out for the rest of this season . Defender damaged knee ligaments during Wednesday 's 2 - 1 defeat to Basel . Sir Alex Ferguson and Serbia international will see a specialist on injury . Vidic joins a growing list of injured players at Old Trafford .