Time for Carrick to take back his place as ball winner

Carrick - Anderson partnership

u know, the ankle injury thing could just be a cover story so that people won't lose confidence in him. saf like to play mind games after all.

RIO FERDINAND has gone to extraordinary lengths to make sure he is fit to shore up Manchester United's defence tonight.

The defender STOOD UP for virtually the whole two hours of United's flight to Spain yesterday to counter any further problems with his back.

Ferdinand is also using a special booster seat to help with the problem that has plagued him since December 2008, causing him to miss 61 of United's last 103 games.

While he has recovered from the knee injury that ruled him out of the World Cup, his back is still causing him trouble. And the booster seat goes everywhere to ensure his back is aligned properly.

United desperately need him back as they have had their worst start to a campaign defensively in nine years, letting in nine goals in their first six league games.

Ferdinand, 31, is yet to start a league game but played the full 90 minutes against Rangers in United's opening Champions League game two weeks ago.

He was then ill for the home win over Liverpool and boss Alex Ferguson said he was not match fit for Sunday's disappointing 2-2 draw at Bolton.

Ferdinand also had the disappointment of Nemanja Vidic being named ahead of him as team captain in place of injury-hit Gary Neville.

Ferguson said: "It is a decision I will take for this game. The important thing is that Rio's coming back. He probably needs another one or two games. It goes without saying considering he's been out for five months, that's why we didn't risk him against Bolton.

"We felt it was going to be a physical game and decided to stay with Vidic and Jonny Evans."

While United struggled in the goalless draw with Rangers, Valencia are looking to extend an 11-match unbeaten Euro home run in the infamous Mestalla Stadium.

And tonight, Wayne Rooney is absent, while golden oldies Paul Scholes (calf) and Ryan Giggs (hamstring) are KO'd.

United have won only once in 18 visits to Spain in European competition.

Fergie added: "It's obviously the hardest place for us to go. The standard of Spanish football has always been very good."

The Spanish media marvel at the fact Ferguson, 68, is in his 24th year in charge at United. He joked: "I can only say you have to live your life the right way and I've always been a saint.

"Eat the right food, drink the right wine and you'll be OK. By the way, I'm 93!"

And still going strong.

LIKELY LINE-UP - United: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Fletcher, Gibson, Anderson, Park, Berbatov.

  means he's still not fit!

I think now that Villa and Zigic are gone from Valencia, they are now playing as a team, not focusing on pumping the ball forward, but moving the ball around, giving everyone a chance.

just the thought of seeing Mata running around is scary.

Does Banega available for tonight's match? Would be interesting to see him play. Fletch form is a little bit down since Rangers game. A bit weird 

I thought Rangers game before Carling cup?

Good, the line up is just like what i expected

Ah.. I just only went thru my yearly MU review and watch that one yesterday 

Lol Berbatov is taping his ankle there o.O