Edwin van der Sar has admitted he panicked when he discovered the extent of Alan Smith's injury at Anfield on Saturday.

Smith suffered a broken leg, dislocated ankle and ligament damage when he went to block John Arne Riise's free-kick during Manchester United's FA Cup defeat to Liverpool.

At first no-one was aware how acute Smith's problem was as play continued. But it quickly became apparent to van der Sar as he rushed to his team-mate's aid and saw the England man's leg horribly skewed.

"When I saw him lying there and I saw his leg wasn't right, you panic a little bit," van der Sar told MUTV.

"I was just trying to get the referee's attention because play was still going on.

"I had to race back because Djibril Cisse was about to try a shot at goal but luckily everyone eventually saw what had happened.

"It is just tremendously disappointing. I know a couple of the lads have already been to see Alan in hospital and the rest of us will go over the next few days.

"We know it is going to take him a while to recover but the determination Alan has as a player will help him."

With Smith joining Paul Scholes on the long-term injured list, Sir Alex Ferguson will hope John O'Shea suffers no ill-effects from his reserve team appearance against Everton on Tuesday night.

The Irishman could go straight back into United's squad for this weekend's Carling Cup final to at least provide some cover in midfield.

Ferguson will also have skipper Gary Neville available after the veteran full-back escaped a ban, as expected, despite being found guilty of improper conduct for his over-zealous goal celebration in the Barclays Premiership win over Liverpool last month.

Neville was fined £5,000 and warned about his future conduct after giving evidence to the FA disciplinary hearing by video link, although the punishment has not gone down well with the 31-year-old, who blasted Soho Square chiefs over the decision.

"I am extremely disappointed with the decision," said Neville, who has 14 days to appeal against the fine.

"I believe it is a poor decision, not just for me but for all footballers.

"Being a robot, devoid of passion and spirit is obviously the way forward for the modern-day footballer. And I ask the authorities, where is football being taken?"