Ferguson's central-defensive stalwarts both limped off during the second half of the first match of United's Barclays Premier League title defence - a 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion.
Ferdinand appears the most serious, sidelined for six weeks with a hamstring problem that also means he will miss England's Euro 2012 double-header against Bulgaria and Wales in September, as well as the start of United's latest Champions League quest.
"Rio has a hamstring injury. He will be out for six weeks," said Ferguson."With Nemanja, we hope it is a nerve in his calf. He felt it prior to the game but he wanted to play. That may be a couple of weeks."
With young full-back Rafael ruled out for 10 weeks after dislocating his shoulder in training, Ferguson suddenly has a worrying list of defensive problems ahead of a difficult start, that now pits his side against Tottenham hotspur and Arsenal at Old Trafford over the next fortnight.
The bright spot for Ferguson is the anticipated return of Patrice Evra from a knee injury against Spurs next Monday.
"We can always put Fabio on the right if we need to. We also have Chris Smalling, so we will get through," said Ferguson.
Aside from the joy of taking three points on an opening weekend when Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea all failed to win, it proved to be a difficult day for United.
AERIAL ASSAULT
New £18m goalkeeper David de Gea was in the spotlight's glare, encountering difficulties dealing with the traditional high balls into the box and compounding those anxieties by diving clean over the top of Shane Long's strike from an acute angle, gifting West Brom an equaliser which they had not looked like getting up to that point.
It does seem United have plenty of work ahead of them in order to get the 20-year-old battle-hardened and physically up to the demands of life in England.
However, Ferguson is adamant he will cope.
"He is young. He will learn. He will come through," said the United boss.
"David's concentration cost him the goal. It was a slack goal to lose but it is an experience for the lad.
"I couldn't believe he never got a free-kick in the second half. The aerial assault on him was ridiculous.
"It was the same when Peter Schmeichel came. They punished him in his first few games against Leeds and Wimbledon. They have him a real torrid time.
"In the second half David he was targeted a bit. Not necessarily physically but there were a lot of challenges that should have been free-kicks but the referee decided to play on."
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