Michael Carrick was substituted off in the first half of United’s 7-1 win in Ireland this week. It was thought to be nothing serious but after having it scanned it has been revealed he will be missing for a fortnight.

“Michael hurt his ankle on Wednesday,” said Ferguson. “It is nothing serious but he will be out for a couple of weeks, so he will miss the start of the season.”

Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Darron Gisbon are therefore the only players we have available who can play in the centre of the park, with Owen Hargreaves, Anderson, and Carrick out injured.

Ferguson has also given updates on a couple of our other injuries.

“Rio is still well behind,” he continued. “It’ll be a few weeks before he is back amongst us. Anderson is making good progress and he will be training in two weeks.”