Man Utd receive Ferdinand Boost

[kyan]

Manchester United central defender Rio Ferdinand received some promising news after initial examinations on a groin injury showed no long-term damage.

Ferdinand limped out of the FA Cup win over Watford on Saturday to join Mikael Silvestre, Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic, and John O'Shea on the injured list.

The 28-year-old could now play against Sheffield United on Tuesday because of the club's central defensive problems.

If not, he is expected to return on Saturday against Middlesbrough.

Neville may be fit to face AC Milan in the Champions League on 24 April.

The United skipper has been missing since suffering an ankle injury in the win against Bolton in March.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Gary has a slight chance for the Middlesbrough game but a good chance for the AC Milan game."

Ferdinand's injury against Watford on Saturday meant midfielder Darren Fletcher was deployed as a makeshift right-back, with left-back Gabriel Heinze partnering Wes Brown in the centre.

If Ferdinand does not play, the same back four could face Sheffield United or 18-year-old FA Youth Cup star Craig Cathcart may be given his debut.

The strength of United's squad will be tested by the injuries but Ferdinand is confident the Old Trafford side are up to the task.

"The fringe players are very important," said Ferdinand.

"Look at Darren Fletcher. He was magnificent against Roma in central midfield and then he has been asked to play at right-back and looked as though he has been there all his life.

"He is a fantastic all-round footballer, who is now starting to get the credit his footballing talent deserves.

"The manager has said all along the players who weren't necessarily playing at the start of the season are the ones who have to come to the fore. They have done that."

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Man Utd | Man Utd receive Ferdinand boost

Thank fook for that, we should be able to handle Sheff Utd with the injuries we have but Boro, Milan and Chelsea require stronger lineups, and Rio is essential....

[red pisces]

good news its not too serious,hopefully o,shea and neville will be back in contention soon,another week or so and its looking good again.