Antonio Valencia could miss the rest of the season following the horrific ankle injury sustained against Rangers in the Champions League tonight.

The United winger was one of ten changes to Ferugson’s lineup for tonight’s tie but his evening was to end prematurely as he was stretchered from the field, with an oxygen mask in place, after his left ankle appeared to give away under a challenge from Kirk Broadfoot. Alex Ferguson revealed after the game that Valencia has suffered a dislocation that will see him go under the knife tomorrow…

“He’s gone to hospital and it looks like it’s a dislocation or a fracture…It’s a bad one and it will keep him out for a long time.”

The United boss went on to confess that he feared that Valencia would be out for the rest of the season, comparing the injury to that suffered by Alan Smith back in 2006. Smith’s prognosis at the time was a 12-month absence.

There will doubtless be more news on this in tomorrow’s press but right now Fantasy Managers will doubtless see this setback for Valencia as an event that will cement Nani’s place in United’s starting lineup for the rest of the season. Nani will surely remain in his preferred position on the right-flank as a result of Valencia’s absence, leaving Giggs and Park to rotate on the left. Nani has already made an outstanding start to the season and with his place now seemingly assured, further investment will surely follow.