Fortune had been impressing in midfield

Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune is facing a three-month lay-off after breaking his leg during the 2-1 win against Liverpool last week.

The South African came off towards the end of the game because he was injured but did not realise at the time how seriously he was hurt.

It was only when he had a scan that he discovered that he had fractured his left fibula.

The injury is the latest in a long line that have seriously weakened United's midfield options.

Fortune had been impressing in a central midfield role in the absence of the injured trio of Roy Keane, Nicky Butt and David Beckham.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is also without star central defenders Rio Ferdinand and Laurent Blanc.