Rio set to return

WEST HAM old boy, Rio Ferdinand, is set to return from suspension to bolster Manchester United’s defence against the Londoners at Old Trafford tonight.

The 31–year–old could partner Nemanja Vidic for the first time since October given the Serbian is also expected to be available after a recent nerve problem.

Changes from Saturday are anticipated, with Paul Scholes among those likely to be included.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s biggest decision though surrounds Wayne Rooney, who has been in such explosive form recently but appeared to be trying too hard to impress against his old club at the weekend.

Leaving Rooney on the bench would be a brave move but it would offer Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen the chance to forge some kind of partnership, or hand impressive youngster Mame Biram Diouf his first start.