Man U defender Ferdinand to miss League Cup final

MANCHESTER, England: Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will miss Sunday's League Cup final against Aston Villa due to a back injury.

Ferdinand's injury stopped him taking part in United's 3-0 league win over West Ham at Old Trafford on Tuesday and boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the England captain won't be fit in time for this weekend's match at Wembley.

"He felt a twinge in his back this morning (Tuesday) when we did a warm-up at (United's training ground) Carrington. We can't take any chances. He won't be playing on Sunday," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.