Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson could be without defenders Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand against Blackburn at Old Trafford tomorrow. Both centre-backs have calf injuries and remain doubtful as United lool to bounce back from defeat against Liverpool last week.

Ferguson is refusing to dwell on the 2-0 loss at Anfield that saw the champions stay behind Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.

Ferguson is intent on looking forward, not back and was heartened that an inexperienced side overcame Barnsley in the Carling Cup in midweek.

"They will both want to play after the disappointment of last Sunday," Ferguson said of Ferdinand and Vidic today. "But then we had the game on Tuesday. You have to get on with life.

"It was good for the young players to go away. Last year the ties were mostly at home.

"It is a different thing altogether and they acquitted themselves quite well."

Ferguson added: "Vidic has been bothered with his calf for a few weeks now. We have sent him to a specialist about it. We will see what he is like today."

Blackburn, whose squad have been struck by swine flu, have lost all four games on the road in the league this season.

Rovers were thrashed 5-0 by Chelsea at the weekend although, like United, they progressed in the cup at the expense of Peterborough, managed by Ferguson's son Darren.

Ferguson said: "I spoke to Sam before the Chelsea game and he had concerns about the flu.

"He had players missing but David Dunn was back during the week and maybe others will be fit. Flu does happen but so far we are okay.

"I am not sure what kind of team Sam will be able to pick but it will be a hard game as it is a local derby.

"While I am told they have a poor away record, I think Sam has had to build a different team."

Ferguson is quietly confident a regulatory commission will overturn Fabio's booking at Barnsley after citing a case of mistaken identity to the Football Association .

Fabio was booked for a challenge on Jamal Campbell-Ryce when the offender was his twin brother Rafael.

Ferguson said: "I did not know about it. The pair mentioned it themselves. It is right (to appeal).

"If it came to January and he (Fabio) got five bookings and a ban then he would feel a bit aggrieved. I don't think there is any issue about it."

Michael Owen staked a claim for a place in the team against Blackburn by scoring his third goal of the season against Barnsley.

Ferguson said: "It was a fantastic goal, real quality. It was a good finish, he showed how quick he is. He did well."

Danny Welbeck, who made the breakthrough at Barnsley, is out of the squad with a knee injury while Gary Neville is suspended after being sent off at Oakwell.

Darren Fletcher has returned to training following a groin strain and could be involved against Chelsea next week.