Valencia could be out for season – Ferguson

(GSM) – Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson fears Antonio Valencia could be out for the remainder of the season after suffering from an injury in United’s match against Rangers in the two sides’ UEFA Champions League opener.

The 25-year-old Ecuadorian was stretchered from the field after seemingly picking up a fracture or a dislocation in his ankle in the second half of the match.

And while Ferguson emphasized that Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot’s is not to blame for the injury, the Scot confirmed that Valencia will have his operation on Wednesday.

“It is a dislocation or a fracture and he gets operated on tomorrow morning,” said the United boss.

“It was an innocuous challenge but when you saw the Rangers player waving, you knew it was a bad one.

“It is a bad blow for the boy. It is similar to the injury Alan Smith got and you are talking about the rest of the season.”

Only Scotland international Darren Fletcher retained his place from the draw at Everton as Ferguson changed 10 players from United’s draw against Everton.

“The criticism will be why didn’t I play a stronger team,” he said.

“I think I played a very strong team. People forget eight of them played against Chelsea in the Charity (Community) Shield.

“It’s a terrific squad of players we have and there was no problem playing them.

“They should have won that game, but give credit to Rangers, their system is very difficult to break down.”

Ferguson added: “I think we played with great intensity and good commitment. But Rangers just went back to the penalty box and it was successful.

“We said they had two draws away from home and lost 1-0 in Seville last season so they have a successful format.”