Fletcher and Nani injuries mar United Turkey blitz
BURSASPOR vs MANCHESTER UTD
MANCHESTER UNITED need just a point from their remaining two group games to ensure a place in the competition’s last 16 after their hammering of Bursaspor.
Following a goalless but entertaining first half United struck three times after the break through Darren Fletcher, the influential Gabriel Obertan and substitute Bebe as the Turkish champions were swatted aside with the minimum of fuss
Fletcher, who broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart, was forced off just past the hour mark with an ankle knock, while star winger Nani lasted just 29 minutes having aggravated his groin.
And both will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash against Wolves at Old Trafford.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Unfortunately, Nani has a groin injury and is deffinitely out for Saturday.
“I think Darren will be out as well, so that part has been disappointing.”
Ferguson gave rare starts to Frenchman Obertan and England Under-21 defender Chris Smalling, while £7m signing Bebe impressed with a cameo from the bench, and the Scot was delighted with the contribution of his younger players.
“They did very well, I’m very pleased with them,” he said. “They’re young players and getting experience tonight was as important as anything, but they played well too.
“Gabriel’s had a couple of injuries, but he’s only 20 and he’s developing very well. He’s much stronger now and he is a real good talent. His goal tonight showed tha.t”
The United boss added:?“We got one early in the second half, which makes a difference.
“From that point on basically we were in control of the match, though they had a couple of half-chances and you can never be sure, but the second goal killed the match.”