Sir Alex Ferguson is eager to have Rio Ferdinand available for Saturday's trip to Stoke.
The Britannia Stadium has become one of the toughest grounds to visit in the Premier League since Stoke returned to the top flight in 2008 and the Potters enjoyed a 1-0 home win against Liverpool two weeks ago.
Manchester United have managed to win all three games at the Britannia since Stoke were promoted but none have come easy and manager Ferguson admits Ferdinand would be a valuable asset this Saturday.
The 32-year-old centre-back has started just two of United's five league games, missing last weekend's 3-1 win over Chelsea with a calf strain, but Ferguson is keeping his fingers crossed that the England star is fit in time.
"I'm hoping Rio will be OK for Saturday," he told the club's official website.
Experience
"When you go to Stoke you need a bit of experience.
"Rio came into the team when we played at Bolton and gave us that experience, so we hope he'll be fit for Saturday."
Ferdinand's absence has given the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling the chance to excel in defence, with Smalling being rewarded with his England debut.
However, Ferguson has admitted the 21-year-old, who has slotted in effortlessly as right-back, is "a doubt" after limping off with a groin injury midway through last week's Chelsea game.
The Britannia Stadium has become one of the toughest grounds to visit in the Premier League since Stoke returned to the top flight in 2008 and the Potters enjoyed a 1-0 home win against Liverpool two weeks ago.
Manchester United have managed to win all three games at the Britannia since Stoke were promoted but none have come easy and manager Ferguson admits Ferdinand would be a valuable asset this Saturday.
The 32-year-old centre-back has started just two of United's five league games, missing last weekend's 3-1 win over Chelsea with a calf strain, but Ferguson is keeping his fingers crossed that the England star is fit in time.
"I'm hoping Rio will be OK for Saturday," he told the club's official website.
Experience
"When you go to Stoke you need a bit of experience.
"Rio came into the team when we played at Bolton and gave us that experience, so we hope he'll be fit for Saturday."
Ferdinand's absence has given the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling the chance to excel in defence, with Smalling being rewarded with his England debut.
However, Ferguson has admitted the 21-year-old, who has slotted in effortlessly as right-back, is "a doubt" after limping off with a groin injury midway through last week's Chelsea game.
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