Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking forward to winning their Premiership encounter against manager-less Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Red Devils have fresh injury worry on midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who picked up a knock on his ribs in training.

Striker Louis Saha also picked up a knock in training but the France international is said to have a chance of playing some part.

Right-back Gary Neville is still out and suffered a hamstring problem during his reserves outing as he continues to be plagued with injuries and is yet to play first-team football this season.

On the other hand, Toon caretaker boss Nigel Pearson is looking for a boost in the form of Nigeria allowing striker Obafemi Martins to play despite their preparation for the African Nations Cup.

Newcastle are without Habib Beye, Abdoulaye Faye and Geremi, who all have gone for the African Nations Cup, but Stephen Carr could play some part.

With leaders Arsenal playing Birmingham City earlier in the day, The Red Devils might find themselves five points behind the leaders by the time their game kicks off.

Teams:

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, O'Shea, Simpson, Ferdinand, Pique, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Nani, Park, Ronaldo, Anderson, Carrick, Hargreaves, Giggs, Rooney, Saha, Tevez.

Newcastle (from): Given, Harper, Carr, N'Zogbia, Enrique, Rozehnal, Cacapa, Taylor, Edgar, Butt, Milner, Emre, Duff, LuaLua, Smith, Viduka, Owen, Martins, Carroll.