Ferdinand ruled out until late September

Rio will miss the first Champions League encounter too.

Rio hasn't recovered since early July when he damaged his ligament during the England training session before the World Cup started. Initially, he was to be sit out for 6-7 weeks, but now Fergie has revealed this could be till 28/29 September when United play their second Champions League game.

"I still think Rio won't be back until the end of September," said Sir Alex. "It was a knee ligament injury, not the cruciate: it was medial ligaments. It was a freak training ground accident at the World Cup and nothing to do with his back, which was a problem for him last season. But I think he should be back late September." Last season's Premier League runners-up will discover their group-stage opponents in Thursday's draw in Monaco."