Manchester United midfielder Anderson has been ruled out until February with a knee injury.

The Brazilian, who two years ago was forced to undergo an operation following cruciate ligament damage, has been sent back to the same specialist in Portugal for further assessment.

Anderson has not played since the Champions League clash with Otelul Galati on November 2 but the injury has turned out to be far worse than Sir Alex Ferguson feared.

"Anderson is out until February with a knee injury," Ferguson said. "He's been sent to Portugal to see a specialist who operated on him before. Not good news."

The news throws into chaos Ferguson's midfield plans given Tom Cleverley is also currently out of action with an ankle injury.

However Ferguson, who was heavily linked with Luca Modric, Samir Nasri and Wesley Sneijder last summer, has no plans to go into the January transfer market.

"It is easy to say you are going to buy players but it is not easy to buy them for Manchester United, especially in January," he said.

"I do not see anyone who could make us a better team.

"There are two or three players but they are not available, so there is no point even going there."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has confirmed Wayne Rooney is fit after he missed the Champions League game against Benfica.