Reds boss facing a balancing act

Sir Alex Ferguson insists there will be no complacency from Manchester United tonight even though he intends to leave a number of star names on the sidelines for the Champions League semi–final decider with Schalke.

United go into the Old Trafford encounter two goals ahead thanks to their efforts in Germany last week.

That victory offers Ferguson valuable breathing space given the Chelsea juggernaut will roll into town on Sunday for a game expected to determine the destination of the Premier League title.

Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand are among those who look set to miss out, but Ferguson insists his team will have their minds fully focused on a Wembley date with Barcelona on May 28.

"We live in exciting times for Manchester United and while I want both players and supporters to enjoy every minute of it, we must take nothing for granted,” said Ferguson.

Ferguson had hoped to avoid his current dilemma by claiming something from Sunday’s trip to Arsenal.

But defeat, plus the memory of how United suffered at Chelsea's hands in the middle of two huge tussles with Bayern Munich last year, has convinced Ferguson he must rest players.

Rooney seems unlikely to be risked, having reported for training yesterday with a minor hamstring complaint.

Darren Fletcher has been promised some involvement, though, as he battles back to full fitness following a virus which has kept him out for over two months.