Huge Heinze blow for United

Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze will miss most of the season through injury.

Heinze limped out of United's 0-0 draw with Villarreal on Wednesday night, and further scans have revealed that his cruciate ligament has been damaged.

News of the Argentine's absence will come as a major blow to Sir Alex Ferguson, who has watched the full back emerge as a firm fans' favourite since arriving from France.

"It's not good news. He'll be out for most of the season. It's a bad blow," Ferguson admitted.

Kieron Richardson is expected to deputise for the South American this weekend, but Ferguson is aware that he will miss the drive and tenacity of Heinze.

United paid £6.8 million for the player in June of last year and he has quickly become a key man at Old Trafford.