Manchester United [ Images ] defender Nemanja Vidic [ Images ] has been banned for two games following his sending-off during the 4-1 home defeat by Liverpool on Saturday.

The Serb, shown a straight red card for hauling down Steven Gerrard [ Images ] outside the area, will sit out United's Premier League matches at Fulham [ Images ] and at home to Aston Villa [ Images ].

United lead the standings by four points with 10 games remaining and have a match in hand over nearest challengers Liverpool and Chelsea [ Images ].