Michael Carrick looks certain to miss Manchester
United's Champions League clash with Villarreal - but Cristiano
Ronaldo could be on the bench.
England midfielder Carrick was a major
doubt anyway after limping out of Saturday's Premier League defeat
at Liverpool with an ankle injury.
The fact he was not on the training ground as United were put
through their paces in front of Sir Alex Ferguson merely appeared
to confirm the former Tottenham man's inevitable absence against
the Spaniards.
Dimitar Berbatov's non-appearance was more of a
surprise, however.
The Bulgarian striker took a knock at Anfield but did complete
the full 90 minutes and was expected to be part of Ferguson's squad
for their first Champions League game since beating Chelsea in a
penalty shoot-out to lift the trophy in Moscow last May.
There has been no word on whether the 27-year-old has a chance
of being fit, although Ferguson will no doubt hope he is.
However if Berbatov is missing, at least United should have
Angolan forward Manucho available.
Manucho has recovered from a broken metatarsal and with his work
permit also secure is now looking to break into the first-team
picture.
Ronaldo is also expected to be on the
substitutes' bench.
The prospective World Footballer of the Year was tipped for a
comeback by Ferguson this week following news of a speedier than
expected recovery.
Ronaldo will almost certainly start on the bench for a game
which sees Paul Scholes suspended due to his
sending-off in the UEFA Super Cup encounter with Zenit St
Petersburg in Monaco last month.
