Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson couldn't guarantee Robin van Persie's fitness yesterday for their Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

The Dutch striker has been a goal machine for United this season, scoring 19 in the Premier League alone, but he hobbled out of the action at QPR after falling into a photographer's hole by the side of the pitch.

Ferguson was not able to give any guarantees the striker will be ready to face the Spanish team in the last 16 second leg at Old Trafford.

"I hope he'll be ready," Ferguson said.