United duo ruled out

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Anderson and Paul Pogba have been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Brazilian midfielder Anderson is laid low with a hamstring injury, while young Frenchman Pogba picked up an ankle injury playing for the reserves earlier this week.

Anderson has endured an injury-plagued season at Old Trafford with the 23-year-old playing just five times for United since sustaining a knee injury in November.

The 23-year-old began the campaign in fine form but has only played five times for the Red Devils since sustaining a knee injury in November.

Pogba's injury could result in him having played his last game for United with the midfielder out of contract at the end of the season and no new deal being agreed as yet.

Ruled out

"I don't think Anderson will play again this season. There are only four games left and it will be difficult for him," admitted Ferguson.

"Everybody's fit after last Sunday. Ashley Young got a knock in the second half but I'm hoping he's okay. The only injury we received is Paul Pogba suffered ankle ligament damage in the reserves on Monday. We think he's out for the season now."

Better news on the injury front for United is that Michael Owen has returned to training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

This weekend's clash with Everton will come too soon for Owen, but Ferguson is hopeful of having the striker available for the final three games of the season.

"Michael Owen's been training with the first team for about a week now. That's good news."
Sir Alex Ferguson Quotes of the week

"Michael Owen's been training with the first team for about a week now," added Ferguson. "That's good news.

"If there's a player who can score an important goal at any stage of the match it's him. When he gets an injury it's never an easy one - it's months rather than weeks. It's unfortunate because he's a fantastic striker.

"We want to try and get Michael back. If we get him back and he continues his training he'll be in contention as a sub.

"He won't be involved on Sunday, though. But for his injuries, who's to say what sort of career he'd have had."