Rafael injury blow for United

Manchester United full-back Rafael has suffered a dislocated shoulder in training and will miss the first 10 weeks of the new season.

The Brazilian suffered the injury at Carrington, United’s training complex, and his position for today’s match at West Brom was filled by Chris Smalling.

In a statement on their website, United said: “Rafael’s twin Fabio is another option in the position so Sir Alex still has plenty of cover, even though the absence of the highly-rated 21-year-old is a blow.”

Patrice Evra, Javier Hernandez, Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen also missed today’s game at the Hawthorns due to injury.