Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Rio Ferdinand won’t be fit to face Aston Villa (5/2 to beat United in 90 minute betting) in the Carling Cup final on Sunday.

The 31-year-old failed to make his return from suspension in the 3-0 victory over West Ham on Tuesday night because of yet another back injury.

The problem looks set to keep Ferdinand out for the next couple of games, including England’s friendly against Egypt next week when the former Leeds man was expected to lead his country out ahead of Fabio Capello naming his provisional squad for the World Cup (England 11/2 to win the tournament).

“He tweaked his back in training and he won’t be ready for Sunday,” said Ferguson.

United (2/5 to win the Carling Cup) will also be without Anderson for the cup final after he was forced off early in the game against West Ham with a reoccurrence of the knee injury that has kept him out for the last month.

Ferguson has said he will make changes ahead of the game against Villa and there looks to be an outside chance of Michael Owen (7/4 to score anytime) starting the game after he came off the bench to score the third against the Hammers in midweek.

“There will be changes on Sunday now,” added the Scot.

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