Ferdinand injury adds to United's woes
MIDDLESBROUGH, England: Manchester United faced a defensive injury crisis after Rio Ferdinand became the latest addition to its growing casualty list.
The Old Trafford captain left the Riverside Stadium with a protective cast over his ankle after limping off during the pulsating 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough, which extended its lead at the top of the Premier League to three points.
With fellow central defender Nemanja Vidic sidelined for three weeks and Ferdinand all but certain to miss Wednesday's Champions League quarterfinal second-leg clash with Roma, Sir Alex Ferguson will be forced into drastic changes to his back four at a crucial point in the season.
"We've come away with a few bumps and bruises, and hopefully it's not serious with Rio," the United manager said after Sunday's match.
"But he was limping for too long and the danger was he kept carrying on and not giving us his full performance levels."
Ferdinand was forced off during a bruising encounter with Middlesbrough, where the Premier League champion was indebted to Wayne Rooney's late equalizer to earn a share of the spoils.
Ferguson was delighted with the character shown by his side in arctic conditions more suited to mid-winter than early spring.
The Scot added: "The nature of this club is that we never give in and that's a great quality to have at this time of the season. That sends out a signal to other players and fans that we won't give in."
United failed to build on Cristiano Ronaldo's 37th goal of a remarkable season which broke the deadlock early on, and Ferguson admitted: "We could have lost the game and they had some chances.
"At times our defending was a bit haphazard I thought, but on the other hand we could have won because the quality of our football was terrific at times.
"They made it harder for us when we went in front but we were in control.
"It became a great game of football when they changed their shape and both teams deserve great credit for producing a game like that at this time of year. It was a fantastic game."
AFP
(China Daily 04/08/2008 page22)
