O'Shea doubtful for Charlton trip

John O’Shea has joined Rio Ferdinand as a doubt for Manchester United’s trip to Charlton tomorrow after suffering an ankle injury playing for Ireland.

O’Shea pulled out of the Republic’s friendly against Turkey in midweek, having picked up the knock in the match versus Russia at the weekend – while Ferdinand has missed England’s last two matches because of a kidney infection.

Alex Ferguson will be keeping his fingers crossed that both players will be fit, because defence is the area where he believes United may be vulnerable.

Ferguson said: “I am happy with the balance of the squad generally. Though we may have a weakness in the defence, we have players who can adapt and apply themselves in defensive roles.”

Nicky Butt should be available despite not playing for England. Sven-Goran Eriksson judged that the midfielder needed more time to recover fully from an ankle injury, although he did train with his international team-mates.

Paul Scholes is still out, but Quinton Fortune is available after having two run-outs in the reserves and a fleeting performance in the defeat at Southampton.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has insisted he can form a close partnership with new Manchester United chief executive David Gill.

Ferguson says his relationship with Peter Kenyon, who has left United for Chelsea, was “terrific” and rejected claims there had been a fall-out between them over the alleged dispute with John Magnier about stud fees for racehorse Rock of Gibraltar.

“I had a terrific relationship with Peter Kenyon. It was a great partnership. It was a smashing working relationship, and I am sure I will have the same with David Gill,” said Ferguson.

“The needs and demands of the club are always there, and when something like this happens you just meet it and get on.

“You get surprises, but the nature of Manchester United is that nothing should shock us. When something like this happens Manchester United carries on. It doesn’t matter who leaves – the name of Manchester United does not leave.”