NUFC survival could rest in Manchester United's hands
May 21 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
A legal challenge from North East clubs of Manchester United’s right to field a weakened team would never succeed – even if it was being considered. Mark Douglas reports
Devils' options
THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO
IF Sir Alex Ferguson decides to risk nothing, his team to face Hull City in one of Sunday’s crucial relegation deciders will bear little resemblance to any Manchester United team seen in the league this season.
Rio Ferdinand is a confirmed starter but he is the only one with any league experience. Hull City might fancy their chances, but there is still some talent in this side. Ferguson fancies Danny Welbeck to make England’s 2010 World Cup squad.
4-4-2
Ben Amos (age 18)
Rafael da Silva (18)
Rio Ferdinand (27)
Craig Cathcart (20)
Richard Eckersley (20)
Zoran Tosic (22)
Rodrigo Possebon (20)
Darron Gibson (21)
Lee Martin (22)
Federico Macheda (18)
Danny Welbeck (18)
THE BEST-CASE SCENARIO
IF Sir Alex is feeling particularly generous, he will include the players who are very close to starting in Rome. Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov are genuine world class players, while there is international class oozing out of this Red Devils team.
This side would strike fear into Phil Brown’s Hull – and it is not inconceivable that four or five of them will play at the KC Stadium.
4-3-3
Tomasz Kusczak
Gary Neville
Rio Ferdinand
Jonny Evans
Rafael da Silva
Nani
Darren Fletcher
Paul Scholes
Dimitar Berbatov
Danny Welbeck
Carlos Tevez
MANCHESTER UNITED v BARCELONA
MEANWHILE, for the Champions League final in Rome Sir Alex is likely to go with this side.
4-3-3
Edwin van der Sar
John O’Shea
Rio Ferdinand
Nemanja Vidic
Patrice Evra
Michael Carrick
Anderson
Ryan Giggs
Park Ji-sung
Cristiano Ronaldo
Wayne Rooney
