England: Heinze out for most of season, say Manchester United [Sat Sep 17th, 2005]

Manchester (Reuters) - Manchester United fullback Gabriel Heinze will miss most of the season after a scan revealed serious knee ligament damage, manager Alex Ferguson said.

The Argentina left-back was carried off after half an hour of United's goalless draw with Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League.

"He has damaged his cruciate ligament and will be out for most of the season," Ferguson told reporters.

The 27-year-old's energetic displays earned him the fans' player of the year award last season while his absence will also be keenly missed by Argentina, although they have already qualified for next year's World Cup.

United already have defenders Gary Neville and Wes Brown out injured.

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