Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross has been ruled out of Saturday's home Premier League clash against Manchester United.
Shawcross, who recently committed himself to the Potters after protracted talks by signing a new four-year deal, is struggling with a back problem and his absence for the visit of his former club is a blow to another ex-Red Devil, Stoke boss Mark Hughes.
"It's unfortunate because he's started the season really well and signing the contract was important for him and us," Hughes told reporters at a press conference.
"It dragged on a little bit because these things can, but we got there in the end.