United have defensive problems

Alex Ferguson has defensive worries ahead of Manchester United's clash with West Brom.

Gary Neville (foot) is a long-term absentee, while Rio Ferdinand (ankle), and goalkeeper Fabien Barthez (hip) are hopeful of making next Friday's encounter with Chelsea.

And on Thursday Ferguson learned that Wes Brown is out for up to three months with a fractured ankle, leaving the United chief with little option other than to stick with the defence which finished Wednesday's shock defeat by Zalaegerszeg.

David Beckham (bumps and bruises) and Ryan Giggs (ankle) picked up knocks in Hungary but should be fit.