Manchester United have been rocked by news Chris Smalling could have been struck down with glandular fever.

The Daily Mail says Smalling could be out for three months with glandular fever.

Smalling, 22, missed the Boxing Day win over Wigan with what was thought to be a heavy cold, but the illness is more serious and he will remain on the long list of United players currently sidelined through injury or illness.

The acute stage of glandular fever - usually involving flu-like symptoms and fatigue - lasts up to two weeks, but sufferers cannot do strenuous exercise for at least two months. For a professional footballer, it will be longer.

That would be a huge setback for Smalling and United, already without Darren Fletcher, Nemanja Vidic, Ashley Young, Tom Cleverley, Anderson, Jonny Evans, Fabio Da Silva and Michael Owen.