Ferguson frets over Ferdinand injury

ALEX FERGUSON was left to contemplate a mounting defensive injury crisis after Rio Ferdinand became the latest addition to Manchester United’s growing casualty list.

The Old Trafford skipper left the Riverside stadium with a protective cast over his left ankle after he was forced off during the pulsating 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough.

With fellow central defender Nemanja Vidic sidelined for three weeks and Ferdinand all but certain to miss Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final return with Roma, Ferguson will be forced into drastic changes to his back four at a crucial point in the season.