Manchester United qualification for the Champions Leaggue was overshadowed by injuries to a trio of midfielders, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Nicky Butt.

Scholes was the latest player to fall victim to United’s recent injury hoodoo, when he was stretchered off with an ankle injury during last night”s 5-0 thrashing on Hungarian side Zalaegerszeg.

Scholes will miss Saturday’s trip to Sunderland and England’s match with Portugal atVilla Park on September 7.

Meanwhile, Nicky Butt missed lasst night’s game with a toe injury, while skipper Roy Keane is rumoured to require a hip operation.

Sir Alex Ferguson denied that Keane will require immediate surgery but admitted that his captain may require further treatment in the near future.

‘He is not having any sort of operation this week,’ said Ferguson.

‘Maybe there is a problem further down the line but he got through the full 90 minutes tonight and I just deal with facts.’

With regards to Scholes, the prognosis was more optimistic. ‘At the moment it looks like two weeks for Paul,’ confirmed Ferguson.

‘It is difficult to get an accurate assessment with an ankle injury and the swelling came up immediately. ‘

‘Nicky (Butt) went to see a specialist yesterday, so we will see what shape he is in for Saturday,’ the United boss added.