Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

United boost over Possebon

24 Sep 2008 - 09:58:04

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Manchester United have confirmed that teenage midfielder Rodrigo Possebon did not suffer a broken leg in the 3-1 Carling Cup victory over Middlesbrough.

The 19-year-old Brazilian was the victim of a dangerous late challenge from Boro defender Emanuel Pogatetz, who was shown a straight red card by referee Andre Marriner for his indiscretion.

Possebon was taken to hospital for treatment and x-rays and the prognosis has allayed some of United's initial fears.

A club statement read: "We can confirm that Rodrigo did not suffer a break to his right leg.

"He was kept in hospital overnight for observation and to assess whether there was any ligament damage to his knee."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was fuming after the incident, telling MUTV: "It looked a really bad one. For the kid to make his first start and get an injury like that is pretty horrendous.

"I think everyone was numb for about ten minutes afterwards and it killed our momentum a little bit.

"I've seen a few replays of it, but I don't want to see it again to be honest. It was just terrible.

"The thing that gets me about challenges like that is that the opponent always claims he has done nothing wrong.

"He (Pogatetz) should have just walked off the field. Then you get their bench screaming that is wasn't a sending-off and there is nothing wrong with our player.

"After the game Gareth Southgate was very good about it. He apologised and understood the gravity. It was an absolutely terrible tackle."