Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is facing a defensive headache ahead of the opening Premiership game against Bolton on Saturday.
Phil Neville suffered a pulled muscle in Sunday´s Community Shield victory over Arsenal and is doubtful. Brother Gary was ruled out of the showpiece because of a hamstring problem - and Quinton Fortune could also miss out on the big kick-off as he suffered a groin injury.
Ferguson, however, believes all the players deserve credit for their performance in sweltering conditions in Cardiff.
" At one point it was 41 degrees on the pitch,´´ he said. " The atmosphere and climate are alien to us.
" On a day like that I am happy winning the trophy. It was hard work and not a game you can take any measurement from.
" It wasn´t a typical Manchester United-Arsenal game. It is usually more cut and thrust.
" There were a few flashpoints, but that´s what you expect when it is Manchester United."
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heureusement qu´on ne joue pas de gros match d´entrée