Leigh Bromby this week faces surgery on an injury that will rule him out of the start of next season.

The central defender suffered a shocking knee injury during Saturday's 1-1draw at Cardiff and was stretchered from the field.

"Leigh ruptured his patella tendon," said United boss Neil Warnock.

"He didn't go to hospital down there because it wouldn't have saved anything. He travelled back with the lads and will have an operation this week.

"He will be out for a long, long time - I'd be surprised if he is back before Christmas. It could be a year. I'm gutted and disappointed for him because he has just come back in the team and done well.

"He was in agony and required oxygen because he had passed out. But the Cardiff fans were fantastic. They were very supportive straight away and the ref showed he knew what he was doing. I want to say a big thank you to everyone for the way they reacted."