Cleverley was forced off in the early stages of Saturday’s 5-0 victory at Reebok Stadium following a heavy tackle by Bolton striker Kevin Davies.

United initially feared the 22-year-old midfielder had broken a bone but Ferguson said Sunday it was ligament damage, ruling the player out of United’s first two matches in its Champions League campaign as well as possibly three league matches.

Cleverley has established himself as a regular in United’s first team this season, having spent last year on loan at Wigan.