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MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) – Manchester United will attempt to shrug off domestic disappointment by reaching their third Champions League final in four years against Schalke 04 here Wednesday.
A 2-0 victory in the semi-final first leg in Germany has left United within touching distance of a place in the May 28 final and, crucially, has given Sir Alex Ferguson freedom to shuffle his pack for Wednesday's return fixture.
The second leg at Old Trafford comes after United's progress towards a record 19th Premier League crown suffered an unexpected setback with a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, a result that has blown the title race more open.
With United facing Chelsea in a crunch Premier League meeting next weekend that could well decide the outcome of the title, Ferguson has said he will rest some of his key players against Schalke.
"I will make some changes on Wednesday without question," Ferguson revealed. "I will bring Paul Scholes back in, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen."
Scottish midfielder Darren Fletcher may also make a return to first team after completing 45 minutes in a reserve match, Ferguson confirmed.
"We'll need to do that but I will probably keep my experienced players at the back. We have a big week ahead. Wednesday is a European semi-final second leg and then the game on Sunday.
"Two massive games, so we will regroup and freshen it up."
Ferguson is also confident that his side remain in a strong position in both domestic and European competitions.
A 2-0 victory in the semi-final first leg in Germany has left United within touching distance of a place in the May 28 final and, crucially, has given Sir Alex Ferguson freedom to shuffle his pack for Wednesday's return fixture.
The second leg at Old Trafford comes after United's progress towards a record 19th Premier League crown suffered an unexpected setback with a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, a result that has blown the title race more open.
With United facing Chelsea in a crunch Premier League meeting next weekend that could well decide the outcome of the title, Ferguson has said he will rest some of his key players against Schalke.
"I will make some changes on Wednesday without question," Ferguson revealed. "I will bring Paul Scholes back in, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen."
Scottish midfielder Darren Fletcher may also make a return to first team after completing 45 minutes in a reserve match, Ferguson confirmed.
"We'll need to do that but I will probably keep my experienced players at the back. We have a big week ahead. Wednesday is a European semi-final second leg and then the game on Sunday.
"Two massive games, so we will regroup and freshen it up."
Ferguson is also confident that his side remain in a strong position in both domestic and European competitions.