Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hailed John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher for their performances in last night's 4-2 victory at Dynamo Kiev.

United's win was achieved without key midfielders Paul Scholes and Patrice Evra, who suffered a calf strain during the warm-up.

Scholes will have a scan on a knee injury suffered in training on Monday when he returns to Manchester and with Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick already out injured, Ferguson will hope the damage is not too serious.

"We do have strength in depth, " said Ferguson. "But the more important factor is that the changes are not affecting our performance.

"John O'Shea had to switch to left-back when Patrice pulled out and Darren obviously came into midfield.

"Both of them were excellent.

"Of course, those two players have been here for a long time and understand what playing for this club means.

"But others, like Carlos, Anderson and Nani have joined us this summer and adapted really quickly."