Park's season over after knee surgery

MANCHESTER, England, Apr 27 (Reuters) Manchester United midfielder Ji-sung Park will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a knee injury, manager Alex Ferguson said today.

Park was due to undergo an operation in the United States on Friday, conducted by world renowned knee specialist Richard Steadman, after failing to recover from the injury sustained at the end of March.

''We couldn't get to the bottom if it. It does put an end to his season,'' Ferguson told reporters.

''There was no improvement in his knee injury. We have sent him to specialists and what we have to do is get him to the best.'' The South Korean international, 26, will now be unavailable to help United's bid to win the treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

Better news for United is that defender Nemanja Vidic, who has missed the last seven games with a broken collar bone, could return to their squad for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg at AC Milan, if a scan on Monday is favourable.

Rio Ferdinand is expected to be back for the trip to the San Siro Stadium, where United will defend a 3-2 lead, but will miss Saturday's league fixture at Everton with a groin injury.

Gary Neville is also still out with an ankle problem but Louis Saha is expected to be on the bench at Goodison Park after recovering from a hamstring injury with United looking to sustain their three point lead over Chelsea at the top.

REUTERS BJR PM1830