United begin life without Rio

Rio Ferdinand misses the first game of what could turn out to be a lengthy suspension as Manchester United look to avoid an FA Cup embarrassment at Northampton.

Ferdinand’s place on United’s first trip to Sixfields will go to Wes Brown, while there is the possibility that transfer-listed midfielder Nicky Butt may also make a rare start as Phil Neville is also banned after reaching five bookings.

Alex Ferguson left Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy on the bench at Aston Villa in the previous round and may be tempted to do so again, even though new recruit Louis Saha is ineligible and Ryan Giggs is doubtful with a back strain.

Provisional squad: Howard, Carroll, G Neville, Silvestre, Brown, O’Shea, Fortune, Forlan, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Scholes, Butt, Keane, Kleberson, Giggs, van Nistelrooy, Bellion, Eagles.