CURSE OF THE ARMBAND

Last updated : 25 November 2002 By editor

From Soccernet:

‘Blanc limped off with what looked like an ankle problem during United's epic 5-3 victory over Newcastle and is doubtful for the second stage game against the Swiss outfit, who knocked Liverpool out of the competition.

The injury continued United's skipper jinx - with Roy Keane, David Beckham and Gary Neville all having suffered injuries.

And boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted: 'We don't know how Blanc is - but I hope he will be fit for Tuesday.

'It was easy to see how much we missed him when he went off, because there wasn't a lot of experience in our back four.'