Manchester United poacher Javier Hernandez will miss the next three to four weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed.

The Mexican went down unchallenged when making a change of direction after ten minutes of yesterday's Premier League game at Villa Park and after a lengthy stoppage had to be stretchered off.

Ferguson confirmed the damage in an interview after the game, which United won thanks to Phil Jones's first goal in a red shirt.

"I think he's torn ligaments in his ankle," said Fergie. "He'll be out for between three and four weeks."

Villa players Shay Given and Jermaine Jenas also had to leave the game on a stretcher.