United face Spurs on Monday evening
Set to start?
By Chris,
August 20 2011
Manchester United face a defensive crisis for Monday evening's contest, with Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Rafael all injured. The Red Devils will be relying on the likes of Chris Smalling and summer signing Phil Jones at Old Trafford hosts its first competitive fixture of the new campaign.
Sir Alex Ferguson has said he has confidence in his young and inexperienced defenders in the absence of the towering centre-back partnership of Vidic and Ferdinand.
Smalling and Jones are likely to play against Spurs, whilst Northern Ireland's Jonny Evans could also have a role to play.
Ferguson is also set to be without Brazilian full-back Rafael Da Silva, as he faces a long recovery after dislocating his shoulder.
Vidic has a calf problem and is expected to be out of action for at least a month, whilst Ferdinand will spend a fortnight on the sidelines.
Away from United's defensive problems, Sir Alex Ferguson must also decide who to start in attack against Spurs after Danny Welbeck partnered Wayne Rooney last weekend.
Ex-Tottenham man Dimitar Berbatov will be anxious for a chance to impress amid speculation surrounding his future, but he only featured as a substitute during the 2-1 win at West Brom.
Harry Redknapp's men go into the game on the back of a 5-0 thrashing of Hearts in Europa League action in the Scottish capital. Their opening league fixture of the season was postponed due to rioting in London.
Spurs have not won a league fixture at Old Trafford since 1989!