Boss allays injury fears

Sir Alex Ferguson moved to dispel worries over the fitness of Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic after United’s 5-1 victory over Newcastle.

Evra was replaced by John O’Shea at half-time at St James’ Park, while Vidic limped off during the second half, seemingly still feeling the effects of an earlier challenge by Michael Owen.

Ferguson told MUTV: “Patrice wasn’t feeling very well. He was sick at half-time so we took him off.

“Then Vida came off. I think he’s okay – hopefully it’s just a calf strain.”

Following the midweek Champions League draw at Lyon, Ferguson made four changes against the Magpies, leaving Ryan Giggs out of his squad entirely.

“Ryan got a kick below the knee on Wednesday,” the Reds boss added. “I wasn’t going to start him after his exertions against Lyon.”