Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that full-backs Patrice Evra and Rafael were knackered after the 2-2 draw with Chelsea last Sunday, but are not expected to be rested after nearly a week off between games.

Darren Fletcher (bowel condition) will miss the remainder of the season, while Nani (hamstring), Paul Scholes (knee) and Phil Jones (ankle) are all doubtful and will undergo late fitness tests.

Ahead of his first match in charge of Reading’s first team, caretake boss Eamonn Dolan has a few injury concerns to contend with ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.

Goalkeeper Adam Frederici (ankle) looks set to be out until the end of March and he is joined by Jimmy Kebe (groin) and Pavel Pogrebnyak (three-match suspension).

Jason Roberts (hip) continues to miss out, but Alex McCarthy has been back in training and looks to be touch-and-go due to a lack of match fitness.

• Reading have completed the least amount of passes in the league with 69 per cent meeting the intended target.

• Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, on the other hand, have completed 85.7% of their passes, a stat bettered only by Arsenal.