Young guns up for Fergie’s challenge
The Red Devils begin the second group stage of the Champions League away in Switzerland without first-choice defenders Ferdinand who has a thigh injury and now Laurent Blanc after the veteran Frenchman sustained a calf problem.
With Gary Neville also out, it leaves Ferguson with young Irishman O'Shea and Brown himself just back from a three-month lay-off.
But England defender Ferdinand, who has had a series of injuries since moving to Old Trafford from Leeds in the summer, told MUTV: "I'm sure the gaffer won't be worried about putting John O'Shea and Wes Brown together. They're both quality players and the manager wouldn't bat an eyelid playing them both."
Ferdinand recognised what a vital match United faced against Basle, but felt United's dented pride had been restored somewhat by the 5-3 win over fellow Champions League hopefuls Newcastle on Saturday.
"A performance like that is definitely going to restore confidence," Ferdinand said. "The major thing for us now is the Champions League. We've got to make sure we take something from this game and we've got to win our home games."
Ferdinand was unable to give a date for his return to action, saying: "I don't like putting dates on things but I wouldn't think it will be too long. It's disappointing but you've got to take the rough with the smooth. It would be nice to play more than five games on the spin but I'm settling in well at United."
For Brown though, he's endured the rough in recent times and is now hoping for some smooth sailing. He helped United defeat Newcastle on Saturday after making his comeback from an ankle problem six days earlier at West Ham.
He suffered the injury in the first game of the season when they lost 1-0 to Zalaegerszeg in Hungary in the first leg of a Champions League qualifier.
Brown was forced to sit it out when United overturned the deficit and the next six matches which saw them top their group. Now he is on the mend and Ferguson is delighted, and he shared Ferdinand's expectations.
"I don't know how you can heap more praise on the boy," said the Old Trafford boss. "He has been out for three months and gives two performances like he did in the last week.
"He's been fantastic. I just hope and pray the boy is clear of injury. That's the one thing he needs. His career has been blighted by an assortment of injuries but ability-wise he has great potential."
Phil Neville is available again after suspension and is expected to slot in at right back with 21-year-old O'Shea moving to the centre.
Apart from Blanc, Neville and Ferdinand, injury has also ruled out David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Roy Keane.
Defender David May and midfielder Michael Stewart, who are on the mend after long-term problems, have been drafted in as cover.
Ferguson is confident his young guns can rise to the challenge against the Swiss side, who first ended Celtic's then Liverpool's European dreams.
He said: "It is going to be a great learning process for the younger players at the back, in terms of concentration, awareness of people around and awareness of movement.
"It is a big challenge for them. Brown and O'Shea have the ability. What they don't have is great experience of European football. What we have to rely on is their ability and that's why I am confident they can do a job."
O'Shea made his first start for the Republic of Ireland last week when they drew with Greece and is determined to enjoy the experience tomorrow. He took time out to thank the absent Blanc for helping him break through to the first team.
"When the manager signed Laurent the first thing he said to me was to try and learn everything I could from him," said O'Shea. "I have definitely tried to do that and put it into my game.
"We will miss Laurent's experience but it's a good chance for Wes and me to see how far we have come.
"Since I joined, the dream was to get in the first team and to see if I was good enough to make it.
"You have to show it out the pitch and I don't care where I play.
"It will be a good test. Basle seem to be very strong at home. We were impressed with the way they played against Liverpool and Celtic."
Ferguson says he has not been surprised at Switzerland's sudden surge in status at international and club level.
"Don't forget, Holland is a small country, Scotland is a small country and they have produced the best players in the world," he said.
"We recognise the qualities of Basle. They are a very good team, they will attack us, no question about that.
"But the nature of my team is to try and win. When we have approached important games like this in the past we have always had an attacking element. That won't change, we will try and score tomorrow."
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