Sir Alex Ferguson expects to have Paul Scholes back in his squad for the first time since January when Manchester United take on Chelsea on Sunday.
Scholes has been missing with a knee injury and is widely expected to announce his retirement at the end of the season, so Ferguson seems to be preparing him for a farewell appearance.
Danny Welbeck is out but skipper Nemanja Vidic has recovered from a calf strain.
Meanwhile, Ashley Cole is back from his European suspension as Chelsea take on the Premier League champions seeking to strengthen their claim for Champions League football next term.
Eden Hazard came off as a precaution in Thursday night’s Europa League semi-final defeat of Basle and could drop to the bench as Rafael Benítez faces a selection balancing act once again, with Wednesday’s crucial clash with Tottenham also a consideration.
Only Oriol Romeu is a definite absentee, with striker Demba Ba available again after being cup-tied against the Swiss champions.
Sir Alex Ferguson, having already secured Manchester United’s 20th domestic title this season, has billed this game as the start of a ‘crucial’ week for Chelsea’s ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League.
But after pushing Arsenal all the way for a draw at the Emirates last Sunday, there is little sign of United letting up.
With Chelsea eliminating United from both domestic cups, the prospect of scuppering Rafael Benítez’s hopes of a top four finish will ensure enough motivation for a revenge mission.
Manchester United (Possible, 4-2-3-1): De Gea; Rafael, Jones, Evans, Evra; Carrick, Giggs; Nani, Kagawa, Rooney; Van Persie.
Out: Fletcher (illness), W Keane, Welbeck (both knee), Young (ankle).
Chelsea (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Cech; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic, Cole; Lampard, Luiz; Mata, Oscar, Hazard; Ba.
Out: Romeu (knee).
Referee: Howard Webb