Cleverley ruled out until Christmas

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Tom Cleverley will not play for Manchester United until Christmas at the earliest.

The midfielder picked up a foot injury against Everton in October and was initially expected to be back after the international break, but he will now be forced to sit out for much longer to recuperate.

“It is pretty long term, [he will be out until] Christmas time, it is unfortunate. It is worse than we thought,” Ferguson said on Friday.

“When he first came off against Everton he reported it as just a tightness, with a bit of pain.”

“We have done scans again and the injury has recurred. We will have to give him a break.”

United have come back from the international games with Michael Owen confirmed out until the festive period and with Danny Welbeck doubtful for the weekend’s trip to Swansea after suffering an injury while playing for England.

United have been boosted by Ashley Young’s return to fitness, however, and will hope to have the winger available for Saturday’s game at the Liberty Stadium along with Darron Gibson and Rafael Da Silva who have both recovered from injuries.