Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed winger Nani will be out for the next ten days while defender Jonny Evans is a doubt for the trip to Aston Villa this weekend.

Nani was replaced by Rafael during United's Champions League win at Braga in mid-week with a hamstring complaint.

The Portuguese winger will miss the visits to Aston Villa and Norwich City but could return for the club's fifth Champions League group game against Galatasaray, with United having already qualified for the knock-out phase.

Nani
Nani will miss the next ten days for United.

"Nani is out with a tight hamstring and that will be around 10 days but he should be okay. It's not torn, just tight," he said.

A more pressing concerning is the fitness of Evans, whose absence could force Chris Smalling into making his second start for the club since his long injury lay-off.

"We're hoping Evans will be okay for Saturday," Ferguson added

"He's a doubt, although not a serious one.

"We're monitoring the situation with Jonny. If he doesn't make it then Chris will have to play.

"It's asking a lot for him to play Wednesday and then Saturday [when he's just come back]. The great thing is that he's back and there are no issues with him at all. He did very well on Wednesday - we were pleased with that."

United have won 12 of the last 16 meetings between the two sides at Villa Park, and is among the happiest of hunting grounds for the Premier League leaders.

Ferguson, hoping to retain top spot this weekend, is looking to continue United's decent recent form.

"Although we have a great record at Villa Park we never take them for granted.

"We've always had to perform there. It's been a good ground for us as a team, though, and I've always enjoyed it.

"It's one of the old traditional grounds. There's always a good atmosphere and the support is always fantastic. Hopefully we can keep the momentum going as it's got us into a good position."

Manchester United FC