FRANNY Jeffers was sent off as Blackburn Rovers Reserves lost 1-0 to Manchester United in their first game of the season.

The former Everton and Arsenal striker, signed on a free transfer from Charlton, was dismissed for striking out at United's Ryan Shawcross.

Rovers second string went down to an early penalty from Phil March at Hyde United.

Jeffers, who came on as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw against Everton at Ewood Park, turned out for Glyn Hodges' side hoping to put pressure on Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts for a starting place in the first team.

Tugay, banned for the opening three games of the new Premiership season, also turned out for the reserves as he looked to improve his match sharpness ahead of next weekend's match against Sheffield United.

And Sergio Peter, recovering from an ankle injury, and Matt Derbyshire were also involved.

It was a chance for Hodges's side to get down to serious business after a busy pre-season build up.

For United, Alan Smith stepped up his comeback as he played the full 90 minutes.

BLACKBURN ROVERS: Fielding, Kane, Nolan, Taylor, Olsson, Peter, Stopforth, Tugay, Treacy, Derbyshire, Jeffers. Subs: Garner, Jones, Hodge, Thomson, Woods.