Boss Gives Young Update

Sir Alex Ferguson doubts Ashley Young will be fit to face Stoke City on Sunday after the Manchester United winger limped off during Monday night’s derby defeat at Old Trafford.

Young appeared to sustain an ankle injury in the second half as a result of a robust challenge by Pablo Zabaleta and required some assistance whilst walking off the pitch. He was replaced for the latter stages by Shinji Kagawa.

The 27-year-old England international joins a growing group of players on the treatment table, which worryingly includes three central defenders in the shape of Nemanja Vidic, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling.

Although Young’s injury is not as bad as originally feared, Sir Alex does not think he will face the Potters at the Britannia Stadium. However, the boss is hopeful of having a bigger complement of defenders to select from.

“We’ll have to assess the centre-backs as the week goes on,” the boss told MUTV. “We’ve got six days until the Stoke game. Ashley obviously may be out. It looks a bad one – not serious – but I think he’ll miss Sunday’s game.

“We’ll have to hope we can get the centre-backs fit, particularly for the Stoke match because we know what it’s going to be like down there," he added, referring to the hosts' reputation for aerial attacks.