The winger was carried off on a stretcher with an ankle injury after an innocuous-looking sliding challenge from Kirk Broadfoot in the second half of the goalless draw at Old Trafford.

Ferguson told Sky Sports: "He has gone to hospital. It looks as if it is a dislocation and a fracture.

"It's a bad one, it will keep him out for a long time. He seemed to dig his toe in the turf."

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Ferguson defended his team selection after making 10 changes to the line-up that started the 3-3 draw at Everton on Saturday.

Only Darren Fletcher retained his place although Ferguson was able to recall Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.

"The criticism will be why didn't I play a stronger team," he said.

"I think I played a very strong team. People forget eight of them played against Chelsea in the Charity (Community) Shield.

"It's a terrific squad of players we have and there was no problem playing them.

"They should have won that game, but give credit to Rangers, their system is very difficult to break down."

Ferguson added: "I think we played with great intensity and good commitment. But Rangers just went back to the penalty box and it was successful.

"We said they had two draws away from home and lost 1-0 in Seville last season so they have a successful format."

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Rangers defender Davie Weir claimed the visitors had not taken any encouragement from reading United's team sheet with the likes of Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov missing.

"They could make 20 changes and still have quality," Weir said.

"When you see Ryan Giggs coming on then that shows you the strength in depth.

"If you look that starting XI a lot of teams would take that for their first XI."

Weir added: "It's a great start for us, we're delighted with a point.

"We were very defensive but thankfully came out with a result.

"Our possession was a little bit disappointing in the first half but it was a bit better in the second half and we got ourselves up the pitch a little bit.

"It just takes one slip, there were a few of those in the first half that gave them opportunities.

"Usually with quality like that they would take them so we were a bit fortunate."