Fergie allays injury fears

A newspaper report claimed England ace Butt could be missing for six weeks, after suffering a setback in his bid to recover from an ankle operation, but Ferguson, although admitting the player's progress has been disappointing, does not feel it is a major issue.

Beckham's slight knock suffered during his substitute appearance in the comfortable win against West Ham was, as always, deemed to be a newsworthy subject, but there is no problem with England captain.

"With Nicky, it will be a bit of a wait," stressed Ferguson.

"He's not showing the progress we hoped he would make.

"He's not far away, but he's not ready for this week.

"I saw the stories about David Beckham's injury in the paper this morning.

"He didn't pick up an injury. He was training this morning, and there is no problem."