United travel without Butt
Tuesday, 22 October 2002 09:17Midfielder Nicky Butt is the latest player to miss Manchester United's trip to Athens for their Champions League clash with Olympiakos. Alex Ferguson is already without Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and centre-back Rio Ferdinand but is most concerned with Butt's injury as the club has yet to establish the reasons behind his ankle problem.
The 27-year-old is almost certain to miss Saturday's Premiership clash with struggling Aston Villa at Old Trafford although there is a strong chance that van Nistelrooy and Ferdinand will return for that match.
"It's possible both Ruud and Rio could be fit for Saturday," said Ferguson. "At the very worst it will be Southampton the following week and the same is true for Nicky. They just need a bit of time although we are still assessing what the cause of Nicky's injury is."
With Butt unavailable, Juan Veron is set to continue in the centre of the park and United are looking good to progress to the next round. Ferguson believes his side need only a point from their remaining group games to make the second stage.
"We are in a terrific position to make the second stage and if we can achieve that it would really take the pressure off us next week," he said. "We only need a draw but we are going for a win. The atmosphere will be volatile but we are starting to show our experience in Europe now and when you give yourself the kind of advantage we have not, you have to take it."
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
