Pogatetz to make Possebon apology

Emanuel Pogatetz says he will apologise to Rodrigo Possebon for the tackle which saw the teenager leave the pitch on a stretcher on Tuesday.

Possebon needed oxygen before he was taken off in the second half of Manchester United's 3-1 Carling Cup win over Middlesbrough following a studs-up challenge from the Boro captain.

Referee Andre Marriner showed the Austria international a straight red card after the incident which provoked a furious reaction from United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who remonstrated with opposite number Gareth Southgate on the touchline.

"Firstly, I have to say that I went for the tackle because I thought I could win the ball - I now accept, however that I misjudged the challenge," Pogatetz told teh club's website.

"Immediately after the incident I did not think it was a red card offence because I did win the ball.

"But now I that I have had the chance to see the tackle on television, I know the ref was right to send me off.

"I am going to speak to Rodrigo by telephone and I will apologise for hurting him. I hope that he will make a quick recovery and that he will not be out for long."

It was initially feared Possebon had broken his leg, but the starlet has been given the all-clear.