Manchester United’s Champions League victory in Bursa has come at a cost after Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed both Nani and Darren Fletcher have sustained injuries. Nani has been in wonderful form this season but only lasted half an hour before sustaining a groin injury while Fletcher was substituted in the second half with an ankle problem. Ferguson said both players are likely to miss the test against Wolves on Saturday.
“Unfortunately Nani has a groin injury and is out for Saturday” Sir Alex confirmed. “I think Darren will be out as well so that part has been disappointing. It is disappointing but these things happen in football” he said “We may have Darron Gibson back after a bout of flu but Anderson has had a virus as well and I don’t think he will be ready.”
With Nani and Fletcher both expected to be unavailable, Ferguson was delighted to see some of the fringe members of his squad impress in Turkey. Neither Obertan nor Bebe are regarded as first team regulars at Old Trafford. “We got one early in the second half, which makes a difference” Ferguson said. “From that point on basically we were in control of the match, though they had a couple of half chances and you can never be sure, but the second goal killed the match”
“Gabriel has been derailed quite a bit by injury” Sir Alex explained “it has been a problem for the lad. He had two or three last season and then picked up another in Texas this pre season that kept him out for five or six weeks. But he is back now and as he showed tonight, he has fantastic talent.
“Bebe is a good, young player who still has a lot to learn” he added “he still needs a lot of coaching but the raw talent is there. He is brave and quick, and for such a young player he is a good decision maker. The chances of him being able to realise his potential are very good.”
Wolves are certain to provide a tough challenge at Old Trafford. Their confidence is sky high after coming back from a goal down to defeat Manchester City last weekend and Ferguson will be desperate to get all three points in order to keep the pressure on Chelsea and Arsenal at the top of the table.
Were you impressed by the performances of Obertan and Bebe in Turkey?