Dyer fears allayed

By Matthew Jones
August 1 2002

Kieron Dyer was substituted because of an illness rather than injury in Wednesday's 3-1 friendly defeat against Nottingham Forest.

Kieron Dyer was substituted because of an illness rather than injury in Wednesday's 3-1 friendly defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Fears the England star had suffered a fresh fitness setback have been allayed after it was revealed he was withdrawn because he was feeling unwell.

But French winger Laurent Robert is struggling to be fit for next week's pre-season showpiece game against Barcelona because of a hip injury.

Dyer lasted just 13 minutes of United's defeat at The City Ground but club officials have revealed he had felt unwell rather than taken a knock.

Robert did not appear at all, with new-boy Hugo Viana taking up his position on the left side of midfield.

The Frenchman is struggling with the same hip muscle problem which dogged him at times last season and is rated doubtful for next Wednesday's visit of the Catalan giants.