Antonio Valencia out for three months

Manchester United will be without the services of defender Antonio Valencia for at least three months after he sustained a foot injury.

The Ecuador international suffered the problem during United's no-score draw against Manchester City in the Premier League last month.

It is now known that the versatile player has undergone an operation on his foot, and will be out for the long-term.

United boss Louis van Gaal confirmed the news on MUTV, he said : "Valencia is longer term and very long. It is not within three months or something. It is a very heavy injury."

Italy international Matteo Darmian is expected to retain the right-back role during Valencia's absence.