Federico in from start?

SIR Alex Ferguson is debating whether to hand Federico Macheda his first Premier League start at Middlesbrough tomorrow.

The Italian teenager has enjoyed an explosive beginning to his Manchester United career, scoring winning goals against Aston Villa and Sunderland on his first two substitute appearances.

And the 17–year–old did well on his first senior start in the FA Cup semi–final defeat to Everton earlier this month.

Wes Brown will also be drafted into a squad almost certainly denied the services of Rio Ferdinand with a rib injury.




SHAUN Wright–Phillips seems certain to miss Manchester City’s encounter with Blackburn at Eastlands tomorrow with the ankle injury that has kept him out of the last three games.

Pablo Zabaleta and Daniel Sturridge are also sidelined by hamstring and hip problems, respectively, while Micah Richards (knee injury) is still a concern.