Man United have been rocked by the news that Paul Scholes will need to go under the knife as a result of his recent training injury to his knee – a measure that will see him sidelined for three months. Scholes sustained the injury whilst preparing for United’s Champions League game with Dynamo Kiev last week and although a first scan on the injury shed little light on the severity, today’s scan has confirmed ligament damage.

The absence of Scholes will open the door for Anderson to make an increased number of appearances over the coming months. Anderson started alongside Hargreaves against Boro on Saturday are they seem likely to be first choice with Fletcher perhaps figuring away from Old Trafford. Carrick is also currently sidelined until late November with an elbow injury.