NEMANJA Vidic has warned the United supporters that his team-mates may still be feeling the dizzying effects of the international merry-go-round as they shape up to face Aston Villa.

The big Serbia defender missed his country's two Euro 2008 qualifiers after suffering concussion against Wigan a fortnight ago.

But he is set to return for the Reds in a tricky visit to Villa Park, as the pursuit of early-season pace-setters Arsenal goes on.

Vidic's country slipped up by only drawing 0-0 in Armenia last week, but remained in contention for the finals in Austria and Switzerland with a 6-1 thrashing of Azerbaijan on Wednesday.

But now Vidic is more concerned about his United team-mates, with England pair Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand facing a long trip back from Moscow, while Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani travelled back from Kazakhstan, Darren Fletcher from Georgia, and Carlos Tevez from South America.

"There have been a lot of games for the players and we always find the match after an international break is very tough," warned Vidic.

Adapt

"It's hard to come back to the club and adapt your game - everyone plays differently on international duty. When you return to United, you have to find your feet again and it can take a few days to settle.

Rooney and Ferdinand face the additional burden of losing a crucial qualifier against Russia, with the striker giving away the penalty which allowed the opposition to fight back.

But Vidic feels that international breaks take a greater toll on the club's foreign players.

"It's very hard when I have a home international game in Serbia, for example," he said.

"I get to see my friends and family, which is nice, but that can take it out of you and it means you get less time to yourself to rest.

"Then again, when I'm playing for United I feel very professional because I don't have those distractions. I have a lot of time for myself to rest, think about the next game, prepare for the training sessions. I'm comfortable here."

Meanwhile, Tevez has been given a confidence boost by his international manager as he prepares for the Villa game. The United striker failed to score for Argentina as they beat Venezuela and Chile, both 2-0, in their opening World Cup qualifiers. But manager Alfio Basile, who substituted him in both games and has a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, has backed Tevez as his No 1.

"My main forward, the No 9 shirt, at this moment, is Tevez. There are some style differences with other players, but I always field the players I like most," said Basile.

And that was music to the ears of Tevez, who has scored twice in his first 10 appearances for United.

Competition

"Considering that competition for the starting positions is big because there are a lot of great players in my position, I'm happy, because it's a vote of confidence from the coach," he said.

"To play at No 9 you don't have to be big. You just have to work hard, play well and try to do your best for the good of the team. You cannot think about just scoring. Goals will come.

"To hear the coach say I will be the team's No 9 is a bonus for me.

"It motivates me a lot. It's a very important sign of support to me."

Tevez says the fact that his goals have not started to flow, despite scoring the vital opener in his last United appearance against Wigan, is of no concern.

"I'm sure goals will come soon," he said.

"I don't worry. I would worry if the team lose and I don't score, but we've clinched two good results in the opening qualifiers."

Do you think there will be an international hangover? Have your say.