Jones returned to the United line-up for the game at Ashburton Grove, but was taken off on a stretcher after going down injured after only 17 minutes.

Sir Alex believes that Jones will subsequently be out for a while, whilst Carrick may also be unavailable for upcoming games as he also picked up a knock.

Speaking to MUTV, the United boss said: “It’s not good news for us.

“I think Jones will be out for a few weeks – it’s ankle ligaments. Carrick was feeling his hamstring in the second-half and he just had to sit in the middle of the pitch”.

Nani was substituted on 75 minutes with a knock, though the severity of that is yet to be confirmed.

The treatment room at Old Trafford is very busy at present. Rio Ferdinand missed Sunday’s game with a back problem, joining fellow defender Nemanja Vidic on the injury list.

Ashley Young, Anderson, Tom Cleverly and Michael Owen are also out injured. 

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