Oct 21 2009, 08:28 PM
QUOTE
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to welcome back a number of his top stars against Liverpool on Sunday.
The Red Devils are set to make the short trip to Anfield for a crunch encounter which could all but end Rafa Benitez's title dreams.
With Liverpool having already lost four times in the Premier League this season, United will be hoping to write off the challenge of one of their fiercest rivals.
Victory on Merseyside would also pile further pressure on Benitez, with the Spanish coach having led his side to four consecutive defeats in all competitions.
With so much riding on the game, Ferguson is delighted to be in the position of having an almost full strength squad from which to choose.
A UEFA Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow is currently at the forefront of United's thoughts, with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher all set to sit out the match in Moscow.
Big game
However, all four are expected to be back in contention for the weekend, much to Ferguson's delight.
"We are hoping we get the main players fit because it's a big game," he said in The Sun.
"Evra will be fit for Sunday. He's just had a little problem with his heel.
"I'm hoping Rooney, Giggs and Fletcher will be fit."
Rooney is still nursing a calf injury he picked up while on international duty with England, but he will be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness.
Giggs, meanwhile, should shake off a cold in time to feature and Fletcher has responded well to treatment on a groin problem.
The Red Devils are set to make the short trip to Anfield for a crunch encounter which could all but end Rafa Benitez's title dreams.
With Liverpool having already lost four times in the Premier League this season, United will be hoping to write off the challenge of one of their fiercest rivals.
Victory on Merseyside would also pile further pressure on Benitez, with the Spanish coach having led his side to four consecutive defeats in all competitions.
With so much riding on the game, Ferguson is delighted to be in the position of having an almost full strength squad from which to choose.
A UEFA Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow is currently at the forefront of United's thoughts, with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher all set to sit out the match in Moscow.
Big game
However, all four are expected to be back in contention for the weekend, much to Ferguson's delight.
"We are hoping we get the main players fit because it's a big game," he said in The Sun.
"Evra will be fit for Sunday. He's just had a little problem with his heel.
"I'm hoping Rooney, Giggs and Fletcher will be fit."
Rooney is still nursing a calf injury he picked up while on international duty with England, but he will be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness.
Giggs, meanwhile, should shake off a cold in time to feature and Fletcher has responded well to treatment on a groin problem.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5641573,00.html
Fergie coy on Akinfeev link
QUOTE
Sir Alex Ferguson has played down rumours linking Manchester United for CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.
Ferguson will get a close look of the Russian international in action on Wednesday when his United side take on CSKA in the UEFA Champions League.
The 23-year-old has established himself as one of Europe's leading keepers over the last year and reports in Russia suggest the Red Devils are leading the chase to sign the highly rated shot-stopper.
However, Ferguson was quick to point out that when 38-year-old Edwin Van der Sar did decide to retire Ben Foster, whose performances in the Dutchman's absence this term have been heavily scrutinised, and Tomasz Kuszczak were more than capable of taking his place.
"I can't deal with rumour because we have two very good young goalkeepers at the club at the moment in Kuszczak and Foster and the future lies with them," he said.
"When Edwin Van der Sar finally decides to retire I'm quite confident these players can take over."
Ferguson will get a close look of the Russian international in action on Wednesday when his United side take on CSKA in the UEFA Champions League.
The 23-year-old has established himself as one of Europe's leading keepers over the last year and reports in Russia suggest the Red Devils are leading the chase to sign the highly rated shot-stopper.
However, Ferguson was quick to point out that when 38-year-old Edwin Van der Sar did decide to retire Ben Foster, whose performances in the Dutchman's absence this term have been heavily scrutinised, and Tomasz Kuszczak were more than capable of taking his place.
"I can't deal with rumour because we have two very good young goalkeepers at the club at the moment in Kuszczak and Foster and the future lies with them," he said.
"When Edwin Van der Sar finally decides to retire I'm quite confident these players can take over."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5641760,00.html
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