Soccer: Rio Ferdinand was the major absentee from the 20-man Manchester United party which headed off to Turkey this morning for the Champions League encounter with Bursaspor.
No immediate reason was given for Ferdinand's absence although it seems highly likely Alex Ferguson's decision was purely precautionary. Ferdinand has long-standing back problems and the four-hour flight is hardly conducive to easing his discomfort.
With crucial Premier League matches against Wolves and at Manchester City and Aston Villa to follow in the next fortnight, Ferdinand has almost certainly been excused to give him the best possible chance of featuring in those fixtures.
Jonny Evans, Federico Macheda, Anderson plus long-term victims Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen were also missing as United search for the three points which would take them up to 10 in Group C, the mark which Ferguson always feels is enough to seal a place in the knockout round.
Midfielder Michael Carrick was on the plane and the former Tottenham man has rejected the theory that the Champions League group stage is getting easier.
"The Champions League is not easier than it used to be," said the England international. "In terms of the stature and history of the clubs, it might not be as good, but the games are still tough, especially away from home.
"People might point to our away record, which is very good, but all those matches have been hard. Travelling to Turkey, for instance, presents you with a long journey and a different type of atmosphere. You are encountering players that you don't see every week.
"It brings a different challenge to Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. It is something you have to face if you want to continue in the competition."
Ferguson, meanwhile, has admitted he is at a loss to explain Wayne Rooney's poor form. The 25-year-old striker endured a disappointing World Cup finals over the summer and has failed to shake off the cobwebs in Premier League action this season.
Rooney looked to be on his way out at Old Trafford after threatening to see out the remainder of his Red Devils contract, but he reconsidered and signed a new and improved five-year deal.
The England international, who has scored just one goal in five appearances this season, is now on the sidelines and could be out for five weeks.
"I don't know the reason for his loss of form because it started in the World Cup," Ferguson told the Sun. "Whether some clubs have been filling his head in that period to affect him we don't know.
"The important thing is for us to put it behind us. But certainly something has been troubling him."
Asked if the contract saga was it, he replied: "I think that this has been preying on his mind. When he saw the impact his decision made it took him aback and he had a rethink."