Manchester United boss Sir Alex
Ferguson admits he will make wholesale changes to his side to face
Middlesbrough.
Ferguson is keen to keep his squad fresh for the second leg of
their UEFA Champions League semi-final with Arsenal next Tuesday
and he will rest a number of stars for the trip to Teesside.
Rio Ferdinand looks almost certain to miss the lunchtime
kick-off against Boro on Saturday after picking up a rib injury
against Arsenal and Ferguson revealed he could make as many as
eight changes to his starting line-up for the trip to
relegation-threatened Middlesbrough.
"I do not think it is right that we have a lunchtime kick-off at
Middlesbrough," bemoaned Ferguson.
"Obviously I will bring some freshness into the team. The
defence will be the same, apart from Rio but the midfield and
forwards could change completely."
One man who could be involved at the Riverside is Wes Brown
after he came through a couple of reserve-team outings following a
foot injury.
Ferguson said: "Wes has been training with the first team and
has played two reserve games.
"He was with the squad today and there is a definite possibility
he could play some part of the game on Saturday.
"I actually think it is important. I don't think he will start
but he will play some part."
Ferguson also feels the one big advantage Arsenal have is their
lack of a pressing need for points at Portsmouth on Saturday,
whereas his own team require victory to maintain their lead at the
top of the Premier League.
"They can play Pat Rice at right-back and Arsene himself at
centre-forward on Saturday!" said Ferguson.
"We have to play a team to win the game."
