Ferdinand, Evans join casualty list

MANCHESTER United are facing a defensive injury crisis with Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans joining the casualty list.

Ferdinand, who played for England against Holland in midweek, is unlikely to be available for a fortnight after suffering a thigh strain.

Evans limped out of yesterday’s Premier League win against Birmingham City with an ankle problem.

United are also without Edwin van der Sar, Rafael da Silva, Gary Neville and Nemanja Vidic, although the latter is back in training and could be ready to return against Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

“We have had a hard time with defensive injuries over the last two years, but we are lucky to have players like John O’Shea who can come into the side and can play anywhere without any complaints or grouses,” explained boss Sir Alex Ferguson.