United’s treble hopes may take a hammering
Ferguson said earlier this week that emulating the heroes of 1999 would be far harder than completing the initial historic hat-trick was 12 years ago.
Although there are some formidable barriers in the way, including a two-legged Champions League quarter-final with title rivals Chelsea and an eagerly-awaited FA Cup semi-final against neighbours Manchester City, Ferguson’s assessment is more to do with the injuries he has to contend with.
Despite a two-week international break, Ferguson is actually worse off defensively than he was for the win over Bolton a fortnight ago.
Whilst the return of skipper Nemanja Vidic is a huge boost, the suspension of Jonny Evans and injury to Wes Brown deny him any selection options.
With Brazilian youngster Fabio virtually certain to slot in at right-back, United head to Upton Park weakened. It is hardly ideal as the Red Devils visit a ground where they have triumphed on only six of their last 17 visits.
No wonder Ferguson is attaching such significance to the fixture.
“The big one is tomorrow because we are depleted in one area of the pitch,” said the United boss.
“With eight games to go, you can’t exclude anyone. Whoever is the most consistent will win this league.
“But we should not overstretch ourselves in terms of looking forward. This game is as important as any.”
Ferguson’s point became obvious as he reeled off his massive list of injury problems.
On the basis that Jonny Evans will be available for Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Stamford Bridge even if United resist the temptation to push Rio Ferdinand back into action two months after he was forced to pull out of the defeat at Wolves with a calf injury, Ferguson will have more bodies in midweek.
By the time his team square up to Fulham at Old Trafford on April 9, the United manager also expects to have Brown and John O’Shea in his squad, in addition to Ferdinand.
“I thought the two-week break would bring a few of them on,” said Ferguson.
“It has but not enough for them to play tomorrow.
“We are considerably short for the right-back position tomorrow. We have to solve that — and find the right solution.”
The decision surrounding Ferdinand is especially tricky.
So slow had been the 32-year-old’s progress that Ferguson had raised doubts over his ability to get back on the pitch before the end of the season.
However, Ferdinand has started training this week and, so far, come through without a reaction.
It leaves Ferguson wrestling with a dilemma about whether to push Ferdinand through another session today in the knowledge that if he comes through without a hitch, he could be rushed back to face Carlo Ancelotti’s men, or hold him back.
“Rio has started training,” said Ferguson.
“He has only been training two days and then just a light session today.
“I have to decide whether we bring him in tomorrow, or give him a day off and start him on Wednesday again.
“He is more likely to be fit for Fulham.”
For his part, Hammers boss Avram Grant believes the club have a bright future ahead of them if they can secure Premier League survival this season.
The Hammers endured a difficult start to the campaign as they battled with poor form and a plethora of injuries, but have responded well since the turn of the year.
“As I said when I came here and even when we had difficult times, we have a vision at this club,’’ Grant said.
“Part of the vision is to be in the top third of the league. I think we can do it, but we need to do it step by step.
“First we need to stay in the league, second we need to analyse what we can do better in the next season.’’
Robbie Keane and Scott Parker are both fit to feature for the Hammers.
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