Ferdinand set to miss opener against West Brom

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Alex Ferguson has admitted Rio Ferdinand is likely to miss Saturday’s Premiership opener with West Brom.

However, Ferguson does not believe the ankle injury sustained by the world’s most expensive defender against Boca Juniors on Saturday will keep him out of the televised trip to Chelsea on August 23.

Ferdinand fell awkwardly as he leapt to avoid goalkeeper Roy Carroll during the first half of the 2-0 win at Old Trafford and was barely able to put any weight on his left leg as he was helped down the tunnel.