That horrendous run of injuries which gave Sir Alex Ferguson so many nightmares this time last year are rearing their ugly head once again. Out of the 25 player squad Sir Alex selected at the beginning of the season, eight are either definitely out of contention for the visit to Villa Park on Saturday or are not expected to recover in time. Rooney, Hargreaves, Valencia, and Owen are all unavailable while Evra, Rafael, Anderson and Giggs are highly doubtful to make a full recovery.

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Reserve team matches are not exactly seen as a highlight on the season’s calendar but Manchester United’s clash with City on Tuesday night had more than the normal level of interest. United fielded a side worth £48 million against their multi millionaire neighbors in the 3-1 victory in the Manchester Senior Cup at Hyde’s Ewen Fields ground. Brazilian midfielder Anderson returned to action for the first time since suffering cruciate ligament damage in February by making a 60 minute appearance.

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All the odds point to the Premier League Championship being surrendered on Sunday afternoon despite the certainty that Manchester United will fight until the bitter end to retain it for a record breaking fourth successive season. Unfortunately reality shows that the outcome is not in their hands with Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti just as desperate to snatch it away in his first season in English football.

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