Ferdinand a doubt for derby date

Rio Ferdinand is a major doubt for Manchester United’s derby clash with local rivals City at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Ferdinand sat out Tuesday night’s Champions League win over Besiktas with a groin injury and Alex Ferguson is not convinced the £29.1m defender will recover in time.

If Ferdinand does miss out, Jonny Evans will retain his place, while Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Fletcher are likely to return as United look to end the Blues’ 100% record.

Paul Scholes is suspended following his dismissal at Tottenham last weekend.

Team (from): Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, O’Shea, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Valencia, Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher, Gibson, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Berbatov, Owen.