Michael Owen's World Cup dream has suffered a major setback after Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the striker would be out for "two to three weeks" with a groin injury.

It ends any lingering hope Owen had of being involved in England's final two qualifiers against the Ukraine and Belarus next month, and there must now be a huge question mark over the 29-year-old forward's ability to force his way into England boss Fabio Capello's plans before England head to South Africa next summer.

"Michael felt a slight groin injury after training on Sunday," revealed Ferguson. "He thought he was fine to play but on a wet surface, when he tried to turn quickly, it came back again. It is not a serious one and I am not worried because players do get them, but he will be out for two to three weeks."

He added: "The only good part is that his fitness levels are very good."

If it was a night of misery for Owen, it was another night of glory for Ryan Giggs.

With a banner at Old Trafford now demanding a knighthood for the veteran Welshman, it is hard to see how much more praise there is for the PFA player of the year, who has 11 league titles to his name, plus much more.

Having scored his first United goal with the aid of a massive deflection in 1991, it was somehow fitting he should become the ninth Red Devil to reach 150 in the same manner.

His free-kick was on target but probably would not have troubled Wolfsburg keeper Diego Benaglio until it smacked into the wall and ended up in the bottom corner.

"All Ryan is doing at the moment is continuing to play," reflected Ferguson. "The amazing thing is he shows this incredible youthfulness about his performance. It is as if he has just started his career.

"You can give him as many as you like, he doesn't get affected by it, which is good. What more can you say? He is continuing like a young man. He is enjoying his football, which is wonderful to see."