Injuries mount up

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he has major defensive injury problems to contend with ahead of Wednesday's trip to Burnley.

United won Sunday's Premier League season opener 1-0 over Birmingham City despite being unable to call upon the services of Rio Ferdinand (thigh), Nemanja Vidic (calf), Gary Neville (groin) and Rafael (shoulder).

JONNY EVANS

Jonny Evans limped off midway through the second half with a recurrence of an ankle problem and is doubtful for the champions' midweek trip to Turf Moor in a further concern for Ferguson.

United are already without first-choice goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar following summer hand surgery.

"Ferdinand will be out for two weeks - the next two or three games I would think," revealed Ferguson after the 1-0 win at Old Trafford. Vidic is training so, hopefully, we'll have him back for next Saturday at Wigan. Jonny Evans is injured again, Gary Neville has just resumed training and Rafa da Silva is still out with a dislocated shoulder."