Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney admits losing Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher is a blow.

Defender and captain Vidic will miss the rest of the season with knee ligament damage while midfielder Fletcher is taking an indefinite break to recover from the bowel condition ulcerative colitis.

Rooney said: "The two of them are both important players for us.

"With Nemanja being our captain it's a shame we've lost him for the season as he's a great defender. But the younger lads have been great.

"It's a shame for Darren, too - he's a great player and a great person.

"Hopefully he gets well soon and comes back strongly for us."