Wayne Rooney was sent to hospital and could miss four weeks of football after suffering a deep gash to his right leg in Manchester Uniteds 3-2 win against Fulham on Saturday.

With Fulham pressing for an equaliser in the games dying stages, Rooney bravely threw himself in the way of a Hugo Rodallega shot. The former Wigan forwards boot came down on Rooneys right thigh as he followed through, however, and inflicted a nasty wound.

Rooney initially jumped to his feet but was soon holding his leg at the knee and pointing to the cut. Referee Kevin Friend stopped the game immediately and, after lengthy treatment, Rooney left the pitch on a stretcher.

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed Rooney was sent straight to hospital and fears the Reds could lose the striker for a month.

It's a very bad one, he told MUTV. He's gone to hospital. Obviously it looks as he'll be out for maybe four weeks.

I don't know what happened. I think the player must have followed through after he shot. He's got a bad one.