MIDDLESBROUGH have been dealt a massive blow after learning Brazilian star Juninho has suffered a "serious" cruciate ligament injury.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who signed less than a week ago for £3.8m, will miss Saturday's Premiership kick-off at Southampton.

It is thought Juninho will be out for months rather than weeks.

The World Cup winner damaged his left knee after a bad challenge during Saturday's Errea Cup friendly with Modena in Mantova, Italy.

Boro boss Steve McClaren confirmed yesterday: "It's too early to say how long he will be out for, but it's obviously a serious injury.

"Juninho will see a specialist in the near future. It's a huge blow for the club, the supporters, and for the little man himself.

"After all the excitement of his return to the club and his performance against Alaves last week, this has brought us all back down to earth with a bump. All we can do now is wish Juninho a speedy recovery.

"We've got a strong squad that is good enough to do well and Juninho's misfortune could be an opportunity for someone else.

''With Szilard Nemeth, Alen Boksic, Joseph Desire Job and Noel Whelan, I believe we've got cover in abundance."

Juninho's injury has put a huge dent into McClaren's plans. The Boro chief was hoping to field Juninho alongside Jonathan Greening and fellow new signings Geremi and George Boateng in a new look midfield.

McClaren was disappointed with the way the injury to Juninho occurred.

The Riverside chief admitted that his players were not in the right frame of mind anyway for the club's last pre-season friendly.

Boro played two 45-minute games against Modena and Mantova, the hosts, and the Teessiders lost both.

They were defeated 6-5 on penalties by Mantova then lost 1-0 to Modena.

McClaren said: "These were games too far for us. The boys peaked for the Alaves game (last Wednesday) but on Saturday they had minds on Southampton.

"There was a lot of travelling to get there on Friday and the lads did not look at their best."

Meanwhile, Boro are close to agreeing a deal to bring Leicester's unwanted defender Jacob Laursen to the Riverside.

The Foxes have given permission for the centre-back to speak to Boro. McClaren is expected to hold talks with the 30-year-old - formerly of Derby County - who would arrive on a free transfer.

* Sir Alex Ferguson believes his side have rediscovered the focus that can turn them back into champions again.

After a decade of glory, last year's shocking capitulation left the Old Trafford chief to speculate that the hunger had gone out of his team.

Those fears have consistently been echoed by skipper Roy Keane, who on the eve of a new campaign has again questioned the desire of a team who have won every honour in the game and accumulated wealth beyond their wildest dreams.

But, two days before United serve their penance for a dismal third-place finish last term and head to Hungary for an unwanted Champions League qualifier, Ferguson can feel the spark returning.

''There is a desire among the squad to make amends for last season,'' the United boss told Manchester United Radio.

''They have a hunger about them and they are well focused. That's very important because when they are focused, they are very difficult to beat.''

A first-half Ruud van Nistelrooy brace was enough to wrap up a comfortable win against Boca Juniors in an ill-tempered finale to the pre-season campaign.

Now it is on to Hungary, where the 1999 Champions League winners must launch their trophy tilt with a first-leg clash against European rookies Zalagaerszegi in Budapest.

Ferguson's planning will almost certainly not involve £30m Rio Ferdinand, who limped out of his Old Trafford debut after 25 minutes with a sprained ankle.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.