Man United without injured trio for curtain raiser

London: Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez is one of three injured players who will miss Sunday`s English season curtain-raiser against Manchester City, manager Alex Ferguson said Friday.

The Mexican, who had a dream debut season last term as his 13 Premier League goals helped United win a record 19th title, is still recovering from concussion suffered on the club`s pre-season tour of the United States. Also sidelined for the Community Shield match at Wembley are midfielder Michael Carrick, who has a tight Achilles, and defender Rafael who picked up a knock in last weekend`s friendly against Barcelona. Hernandez is expected to be fit by the end of August, ruling him out of the start of the league season including next Sunday`s opener at West Bromwich Albion. "Considering he had a concussion some years ago, we`re playing it safe," Ferguson told a news conference.Sunday`s derby pits the league champions against the FA Cup winners. Bureau Report