Wes Brown will miss the remainder of the season, according to the Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Brown has managed just two substitute appearances since last October after sustaining a foot injury but seemed to be heading for full fitness again. Ferguson was hoping to play the full-back at Middlesbrough last week but had to change his plans after the England defender suffered a minor setback in training.

Although the damage is not thought to be extensive, with only four matches of the Premier League season to play, plus the Champions League final, Ferguson will instead rely on John O'Shea, Rafael Da Silva and Gary Neville, who is fit again after his own foot injury, to fill the right-back berth.

"Wes had a little setback during the week," confirmed the United boss.

"It is not major but the fact the season is coming to an end makes it difficult for him. We have Gary back fit so we are not too bad. But it is disappointing for Wes."