Ander Herrera injury: Manchester United midfielder fractured a rib against West Ham

Club confirm Spanish midfielder cracked a rib at Old Trafford

Ander Herrera (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United have announced that Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera fractured a rib in the win against West Ham on Saturday.

In a short announcement on their official website, the club only said that they would "continue to monitor his progress over the next few weeks."

Herrera hurt his back in the win over the Hammers at the weekend and was taken off after 74 minutes.

The Old Trafford club were planning to make a statement on their official website last night but delayed it to give them more time to assess Herrera's injury.

The player himself was in positive mood on Facebook, posting: "Three very important points! I hope my back is fine soon. Thanks for your messages!".

However, manager Louis van Gaal might not be feeling so jovial.

Herrera joins fellow midfielders Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Ashley Young in suffering injury problems. Meanwhile in defence Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard are all struggling. Wayne Rooney is also suspended until November.

Manchester United's next game is on Sunday against Everton.