Rio Ferdinand is an injury doubt for Manchester United's opening game of the season at Everton on Monday evening in what would be a major blow to Sir Alex Ferguson. If Ferdinand is ruled out the manager would have only Nemanja Vidic of his frontline central defenders available as Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling are already out injured.

Ferguson may be forced to select the midfielder Michael Carrick alongside his captain, who would be making a first senior appearance since rupturing a cruciate ligament last December.

While it is believed Ferdinand suffered a leg injury during training at the weekend, it is unclear how serious an issue it is. The club refused to comment.

Everton (4-4-2) Howard; Neville, Jagielka, Heitinga, Baines; Osman, Gibson, Fellaini, Pienaar; Naismith, Jelavic.

Manchester United (4-2-3-1) De Gea; Da Silva, Carrick, Vidic, Evra; Cleverley, Scholes; Young, Rooney, Kagawa; Van Persie. TV Sky Sports 1, 7pm