Manchester United face defensive crisis ahead of Chelsea clash

Rio Ferdinand is a major doubt for Manchester United's top-of-the-table clash at title rivals Chelsea on Sunday.

Ferdinand, who missed United's 2-0 win over Blackburn with a calf injury, is undergoing intense treatment in bid to ensure he is fit for the Stamford Bridge clash.

United also have doubts over Nemanja Vidic, who is suffering from a similar problem, but Sir Alex Ferguson said he had total faith in Wes Brown and Jonny Evans to deputise.

"A lot has been made about Ferdinand and Vidic being out, but, when you have the back-up of Evans and Brown, it can't be bad," said Fergie.

"There aren't many better central defensive partnerships in the Premier League than Brown and Evans.

"We sent Vidic to a specialist and hopefully he's going to be all right. Rio is having treatment, as is Ryan Giggs.

"Neither will make Tuesday's game against CSKA Moscow and we have a fight on our hands to have them ready for Chelsea on Sunday."