Ferguson will ring the changes against Boro

Alex Ferguson has pledged to make wholesale changes to his Manchester United line-up for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Middlesbrough.

Once again, United find themselves facing the prospect of having to prepare for a major Tuesday European game knowing they must get through a lunchtime league encounter first.

Last time, Ferguson gambled by pushing the Old Trafford encounter with Aston Villa back 24 hours, meaning he had only two days to prepare for the quarter-final first-leg against FC Porto.

That move backfired and after last night’s 1-0 win over Arsenal, the Red Devils chief is anxious to avoid a repeat.

Instead, he will make up to eight changes, given Rio Ferdinand is also a major doubt with a rib injury.

“I do not think it is right that we have a lunchtime kick-off at Middlesbrough,” he reflected.

“Obviously I will bring some freshness into the team. The defence will be the same, apart from Rio but the midfield and forwards could change completely.”