Manchester United have explained the absence of goalkeeper Ben Foster from the England squad.

The Football Association did not specify Foster's injury when the squad was released on Sunday night, but now United have confirmed the 26-year-old is being "investigated" for an injury sustained during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Sunderland, although not serious enough to prevent him completing the match.

Conspiracy theorists had suggested an injury was merely the excuse for omitting Foster when the decision had been taken on the grounds of form.

However, United say Foster was ruled out of England's World Cup double-header against Ukraine and Belarus with a chest injury.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs is the best player of the Premier League era. The former Wales international, who will be 36 in November, continues to be one of the Red Devils' best performers and has proved already this season he can still have a major impact on matches.

Giggs has won 11 championship titles, having made his debut in March 1991, and is just one goal away from becoming only the 17th player to score 100 Premier League goals. Those are just some of the reasons Ferguson believes no-one can match the reigning PFA Player of the Year in terms of achievement and influence in the modern game.
We have had a lot of top-class players in this league, but I think you would have to say Ryan is the best.
Sir Alex Ferguson on Ryan Giggs

"We have had a lot of top-class players in this league - and some have probably made more of an impact than Ryan - but nobody can boast the same sort of longevity and consistency," said the United manager. "He was there when the league started and he is still there now. I think you would have to say Ryan is the best."

Giggs scored his 150th United goal against Wolfsburg in the UEFA Champions League last week and is also the club's record appearance holder on 814 games. His adaptability and extraordinary fitness has helped him stay at the top for so long and, as a result, he gives Ferguson options.

Giggs won his first PFA Player of the Year award for performances mainly in central midfield, but this season he has been moved back out to the left wing, where he has spent most of his career. The ability to switch seamlessly between the two is something his manager is likely to utilise later in the campaign.

"We have played him out wide in a few games recently because he is fresh at the moment," Ferguson told Inside United. "It's the beginning of the season so he has got plenty of running in him, and he can do a lot of damage in the wide position.

"But I think you will find as the season progresses he will move back into the middle of the park where he can dictate the games."