Manchester United midfielder Emma Watson faces a long time on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury while on international duty with Scotland.

The 17-year-old joined the Red Devils from Rangers last month but is yet to feature for the Women's Super League club.

United wrote in a statement: "Manchester United can today confirm that midfielder Emma Watson suffered an ACL injury while on international duty with Scotland.

"The 17-year-old is currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at Carrington with the support of our medical teams.

"Everyone at Manchester United will be working closely with Emma to support her recovery."

Watson is one the promising young stars of the women's game having scored three goals in four appearances for Scotland's senior side.

She was part of a summer full of arrivals at United, with Japan World Cup star Hinata Miyazawa and Brazil ace Geyse joining to bolster Marc Skinner's forward line.

Gemma Evans, Irene Guerrero, Gabby George and Melvine Malard were some of the other high-profile acquisitions made by last season's runners-up.

Ahead of the start of the new WSL campaign on Sunday, Sky Sports commentator Pien Meulensteen exclusively told LiveScore: "Alessia Russo will obviously be a big miss for United. 

"She was a key player in terms of their success in attack. 

"Of course, United have made a couple of good signings, particularly World Cup Golden Boot winner Miyazawa.

"She gives Skinner a really good option up front, so we'll just have to wait and see how much they miss Russo."