Last Updated: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:13
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Antonio Valencia is facing a month out with a hamstring injury picked up against Ajax on Thursday.
The Manchester United boss revealed the news immediately following his side's 2-0 Europa League win at the Amsterdam Arena as the Red Devils put one foot in the last-16 of the tournament thanks to second half goals from Ashley Young and Javier Hernandez.
Valencia had not been on the pitch long, having replaced Young during the second half of the match, when he pulled up in midfield shortly after playing a part in the second goal of the game.
And Ferguson told his post-match press conference that he now expects the Ecuador star to be sidelined for at least four weeks.
"He has a hamstring injury unfortunately," Ferguson said. "It will be four weeks."
"It is a bad blow for us."
Meanwhile the Scot was delighted with the first leg win, although he admitted that the performance was not their best.
Ferguson added: "The result was better than the performance.
"The first half was disappointing. We found it difficult to get rhythm and speed to our game. Ajax pressed the ball very well and played nice football.
"We had to wake up in the second half because we were making it difficult for ourselves.
"The second half improved and we made some good opportunities. We deserved to win and you can't complain too much when you win 2-0 away from home."
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