O'Shea Suffers Injury Blow

Manchester United defender John O'Shea has been ruled out of action for up to a fortnight following a knock to his thigh he suffered when playing against Aston Villa earlier this week, according to boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Republic of Ireland international had to be substituted in his side's narrow 1-0 win at Villa Park, a game which Ferguson described as 'the toughest away game of the season'.

"John is out maybe for two weeks but hopefully not as long as that." confirmed the Scot.

O'Shea's injury will leave United short on defensive cover for the home game against Middlesbrough on Boxing Day. However, Gary Neville returns to the squad after seeing off a flu virus.