Nemanja Vidic missed Manchester United's flight to Bangkok for the start of their pre-season tour on Wednesday afternoon, with the captain thought to be suffering from sciatica. However United are hopeful Vidic can join up with David Moyes's squad later in the three-week trip that also features stops in Sydney, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

Vidic, who has entered the final year of his contract at the club, sat alongside Moyes during the new manager's unveiling last Friday, offering no sense that he may be injured.

Nemanja Vidic will miss the start of Manchester United's pre-season tour due to a sciatica problem. Photograph: Michael Regan/Action Images

The 31-year-old suffered two serious knee injuries in the past two seasons that have severely limited his game-time and influence. Yet regarding a new contract he can expect to be offered fresh terms during the coming campaign, in line with United's policy of offering only 12-month deals to those players in their thirties.

Despite talks not starting over a new deal, this is usual practice at United. Last season Ryan Giggs did not sign his latest one-year contract until spring.

The injured Chris Smalling (foot), Ashley Young (ankle) and Nani (broken nose) were also missing from the flight to Bangkok due to injury.

Robin van Persie and David de Gea will also both miss Saturday's opener in Bangkok after being given additional time off following their summer international commitments, although they are due to join up in Sydney.