Rio Ferdinand believes that Manchester United will miss the influence of teammates Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic.
Midfielder Fletcher has begun an "extended break" due to health reasons, while centre-back Vidic has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee ligament injury.
"We are going to miss 2 big players in Fletcher + Vidic, I hope they both come back fitter + stronger than ever," tweeted Ferdinand.
The champions will travel to Queens Park Rangers on Sunday afternoon for their next Premier League fixture.