Anderson to miss United decider at Basel

Manchester United FC manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said Brazilian midfielder Anderson will be out of action until the new year after sustaining a knee injury.

The 23-year-old has not played since being taken off ten minutes from the end of the Red Devils' 2-0 UEFA Champions League win at home against FC Oţelul Galaţi on 2 November, and Sir Alex said: "Anderson is not fit until February. He's gone to see a specialist in Portugal about his knee. We didn't expect that and it's a blow."

United must avoid defeat at FC Basel 1893 on matchday six if they are to progress to the round of 16 from Group C, and Sir Alex was keen to underline that he still had plenty of options in midfield. "We have Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher, and if we get Tom Cleverley back for Christmas that'll be a bonus," he said. "We'll be OK; we have a strong squad."