Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful that striker Michael Owen will not be ruled out for a lengthy spell after suffering an "unfortunate" thigh injury.

The 31-year-old was forced out of Man United's 2-0 win over Champions League opponents Otelul Galati after just ten minutes with a thigh strain.

"It is unfortunate for Michael Owen," Ferguson told MUTV. "He made the first goal with a fantastic run to pull the defenders towards him. He allowed the ball to be tapped in easily by Antonio.

"Unfortunately we have lost him to a thigh injury. It is a different type of injury to the ones he has had in the past.

"We hope it is not too long because he is such a really good player."

The former Newcastle United forward has been ruled out of the Red Devils' match against Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday while awaiting results of a scan.