London, Apr.7 : Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson has a defence crisis on his hands after England captain Rio Ferdinand injured his left foot, forcing him to go off the field from a match in Middlesbrough.

anchester United currently has a three-point lead over Chelsea in the football league table, and Rio's loss could spell curtains for its chances of winning the title.

Ferdinand's left foot has been placed in protective casing.

The Sun quoted Ferguson as saying: "We have a few bumps and bruises. Rio was limping for too long and the danger was if we carried on with him he wouldn't give us a full performance level."

The team has already lost the services of Ferdinand's defensive partner Nemanja Vidic, who has a knee injury.

"It could prove to be a vital point. Our goal difference is good but we cannot take anything for granted," Ferguson said.

ANI