Ferguson set to shuffle his United pack

STILL going strong on four fronts, Manchester United’s bandwagon shows no signs of stalling.

The latest chapter in their impressive story of success this season takes them to Pride Park on Sunday for an FA Cup fifth-round tie against Derby County.

Managed by Nigel Clough, son of former Derby great Brian, the Rams were beaten by United in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup in January.

But they pushed a United second string all the way, winning 1-0 at Pride Park before losing 4-2 in the second leg at Old Trafford.

As he did in that match, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will shuffle his pack in order to give his star players – particularly those on international duty in midweek – a much-needed rest.

With major Premier League and Champions League matches to come and a Carling Cup final looming on the horizon, Ferguson will need to utilise the whole of his squad.

Ben Foster has been tipped to replace record–breaker Edwin van der Sar in goal while fit-again Patrice Evra and Wes Brown may also come into contention.

Wayne Rooney, however, is set to remain on the sidelines after reportedly suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

There could be a starting place for Ryan Giggs, whose recent performances have proved crucial for the Reds.

Giggs grabbed the winner at West Ham last Sunday and has been inspirational in a wide midfield role.

The 35–year–old’s displays have been rewarded with a one-year extension to his contract which will keep him at Old Trafford for a 19th season.

"Ryan is a true professional of the game," said Ferguson.

"His lifestyle, the way he looks after himself, his desire to always want to win is a credit to him and also an inspiration to any young kid who wants to become a footballer.

"He is like a young boy in the way that he plays and, although he wants to play every game, he understands that using his experience when it matters is a benefit to him and the team.

"It would be easy for him to be complacent after all he has achieved but he isn't and that speaks volumes of why the club wanted to extend his services and use that experience."

United will need to treat Derby seriously tomorrow as the Rams have made solid progress since Clough left non-league Burton Albion to take over from Paul Jewell after a rocky first half of the season.

They have climbed out of the Championship relegation places and are currently 16th in the table.


Other FA Cup ties:

Tomorrow: Blackburn v Coventry; Sheffield United v Hull; Swansea v Fulham; Watford v Chelsea; West Ham v Middlesbrough.

Sunday: Everton v Aston Villa.

Monday (fourth-round replay): Arsenal v Cardiff.