Young & Jones Facing Layoffs

Manchester United are set to be without Phil Jones and Ashley Young for a number of weeks after both players picked up injuries in the victory over Fulham, Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed.

Ferguson revealed he expects winger Young to be out for two to three weeks following an injury picked up in the 5-0 away win on Wednesday.

As yet the injury remains unspecified but, regardless, it is blow for United that winger Young joins their increasing injury list.

"The tackle on Ashley Young was a very aggressive tackle and I will have to see that again,'' Ferguson told MUTV. "Fulham were very aggressive in the second half and Ashley Young has paid the price for that. He has got a sore one so will be out for two to three weeks."

Young was only brought on at Craven Cottage as a substitute for Jones, who was forced off in the first half after a clash with Clint Dempsey.

The youngster will go for an X-ray on Thursday, but is expected to miss six weeks if initial fears about a facial injury are confirmed.

"On Phil Jones it was an elbow from Dempsey, but I don't think it was intentional. But he caught him with an elbow," Ferguson added.

"We are sending him for an X-ray tomorrow and it doesn't look great. We are picking up injuries at the moment."

Ferguson also confirmed Rio Ferdinand missed the clash due to a foot injury. The defender will miss the Boxing Day clash with Wigan, but is expected to be fit for the New Years Eve match against Blackburn.

Ajax Starlet Eriksen 'on United's Radar'

Manchester United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen has admitted the club are keeping a close eye on Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen, amid speculation the Premier League champions will bring in reinforcements in January.

United have seen their numbers depleted over recent weeks by a spate of injuries and are expected to dip into the market during the winter transfer window.

An attacking midfielder top of the list and 19-year-old Eriksen, whom United have long been linked with, fits the bill.

"This is a player that is on our radar," Meulensteen admitted to Voetbal International. "But that is to be expected. If people weren't looking, no-one would ever have an opinion on these players.

"It is true that a player like Eriksen would fit our transfer policy. He is being strongly linked with us, but to suggest that we are about to make a move is not true."

However, the Denmark international's agent was quick to point out that Eriksen will not be rushed into any potential move and attempted to play down the speculation that surrounds his client's future.

"Christian must weigh up every step he takes in his career," said Martin Schoots.

"He gave a lot of thought to joining Ajax. Last summer he could have gone to England, and a German club was very keen, but he passed the opportunity up.

"He has signed a contract at Ajax and a transfer is not an issue at the moment."

Cleverley Won't Set Return Date

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley says he is not setting any targets over his return from injury, despite the lack of options for Sir Alex Ferguson in his position.

Cleverley, 22, is recovering from an ankle injury that has sidelined him since October, with United also without the injured Anderson and Darren Fletcher, who this week was forced to take an extended break from the game after a lengthy battle with ulcerative cilotis, an inflammatory bowel condition.

A tough Christmas period is always draining on resources, but Cleverley is not able to boost Fergie's squad by setting a return date yet.

"The injury is not bad, I am just working hard with the physios and doing what they tell me at the minute," Cleverley told Sky Sports. "I am in the gym just working hard really to try and get back fit."

Asked if he could be back for the busy festive period, Cleverley added: "I am not too sure about that. We are not looking to put any time limits or set targets just yet. I am just working hard looking after the injury and I am sure we will set targets in a couple of weeks."

Cleverley established himself as a regular in the starting XI before his injury and admits that it is a frustrating time.

He continued: "It's always frustrating for a footballer to get injured, but when you are in good form and when your team is winning it is doubly frustrating. It has been a bit of tearing my hair out stage for me as I just want to be playing all the time."

Premier League - Papers: United to sign Gaitan

Manchester United are on the brink of tying up a deal to sign Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan for a fee of £29.3 million, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

Not a paper to be as flippant with its rumours as some of the tabloids, the Telegraph says that the deal will only be completed in the summer despite United's injury problems in midfield.

The 23-year-old Argentina international has been targeted by both Internazionale and Paris St. Germain which has prompted United to act fast and strike an "informal agreement" with Benfica.

Benfica initially wanted £38 million for the player, who can play as an attacking midfielder or left-sided forward, but United insisted they would not go that high. However they have agreed to the Portuguese side's demand to keep Gaitan until the end of the season.

Gaitan's former club Boca Juniors will receive 20 per cent of any transfer fee.

The Telegraph also claims that United are monitoring another Benfica midfielder in the shape of the more defensively-minded Javi Garcia.