Manchester United striker Will Keane has been ruled out of action for at least nine months with a cruciate ligament injury.

The 19-year-old was stretchered off during an England youth international against Switzerland on Wednesday evening.

Scans have since revealed that the Stockport-born centre-forward has damaged his cruciate ligament.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had previously suggested that Keane was part of his plans for next season.

The youngster has made one senior appearance for the Red Devils, coming on as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers in December 2011.