Scunthorpe v United Preview!

United start their defence of the Carling Cup they won against Aston Villa, at Wembley, with a trip to Scunthorpe this Wednesday evening.

A trip to Glandford Park will, no doubt, witness Sir Alex Ferguson taking the opportunity to give some of his youngsters and fringe players a taste of first team action. Although the ruse slightly back-fired against Glasgow Rangers, the common belief is that we should have too much for Scunthorpe no matter what eleven United choose to field.

But there could still be one or two very familiar names in the United starting eleven.

Having pulled out of the squad to face Liverpool, through illness, there might be case to give Rio Ferdinand a run out. Similarly, having made the bench and a subsequent cameo appearance, as a substitute on Sunday, Anderson may also be given a start.

We very much doubt whether Sir Alex will risk Rooney or Berbatov so don`t be surprised to see Hernandez and Owen paired up front with the emphasis, naturally, on the ball being played into feet. Also, expect our new Portuguese starlet, Bebe, to be given a run-out at some time of the game.

In midfield we`re likely to see Gibson given a run-out with Park on one of the flanks but apart from that, the remainder of the starting eleven is anybodies guess.

As for Scunthorpe, the club is still ruing the departure of their manager, Ian Adkins, to Southampton, they`ll also be troubled by the possibility of being without key player sin the shape of Rob Jones, Jim McNulty and Garry Thompson, not the best scenario of the caretaker boss, Ian Baraclough.

The history books give us no indication of how results between these two sides have gone in the past, with this being the first time we`ve ever met Scunthorpe in a competitive fixture. Last season, Scunthorpe reached round four before being trounced 5-1 by Manchester City at the Commonwealth Games Stadium.

United are looking to win the Carling Cup for the third successive year and will enter the match as firm favourites, however, the Iron will be keen to give the famous Manchester United a real hard time so don`t be surprised if we`re pushed all the way in this one!



Vital Man United on:

Vital Man United on:

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.