Injured Hargreaves out for season

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

The 27-year-old underwent surgery on his right knee on Monday and a further operation is planned on the England player's left knee in a fortnight.

He has been plagued by a tendinitis problem for almost two years.

"Hopefully this has got to the bottom of it and we'll get him back fit for next season," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson of his £18m signing.

He has been restricted to just 37 appearances for United since his move from Bayern Munich in July 2007.

Ferguson added: "He had the operation on Monday and it went well, though we won't know the exact details until he gets back. He has to have a further operation on his left knee in a few weeks."

The decision to operate came after Hargreaves visited the renowned specialist Dr Richard Steadman, who is based in Colorado.

The most famous knee surgeon in the world, Steadman saved England striker Alan Shearer's football career in 2000 and has also operated on Newcastle striker Michael Owen and former United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Canadian-born Hargreaves missed the start of the 2007/08 season only to return after Christmas to play a prominent role in United's Champions League and Premier League triumphs.

However, the tendinitis flared up again in pre-season and he has made only three appearances during this campaign.

His latest injury setback also means he will play no part in England's 2010 World Cup qualifiers in Spring 2009.