United to welcome back stars

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could have some of his key players back for the crucial match with Arsenal at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, Gary Neville, Laurent Blanc, Juan Sebastian Veron and Quinton Fortune are set to return after missing the Worthington Cup victory against Burnley in midweek.

England defender Rio Ferdinand will again be sidelined with a thigh injury despite indications earlier in the week that he could be available. David Beckham, Roy Keane and Nicky Butt are again ruled out.

Despite fielding depleted sides, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has seen his team win four games in a row.

“The players have knuckled down and are playing with great spirit,” he said. “You can see that and it is good to see.”

With Ferdinand sidelined and Blanc struggling for match fitness, Ferguson knows he could do worse than draft in David May after describing his display against Burnley as “excellent”.

It was only May’s second appearance of the season after injury and the 33-year-old helped steer an inexperienced side through a difficult cup tie.

The former Blackburn star is looking to secure a new deal at Old Trafford.

“Hopefully something will come about,” he told MUTV. “I want to stay here but if not then I want to stay in the Premiership.

“I was quite pleased with my performance at Burnley, although there were a couple of things I could have done better.

“We’ve got another clean sheet and as a defender you can’t ask for anything more than that.”