Boss brings in Welbeck

Eighteen year-old striker Danny Welbeck is the surprise inclusion in United's squad to face Manchester City.

The highly-rated teenager has been tipped for a bright future by Sir Alex Ferguson in recent weeks, and the United manager revealed on Friday that Welbeck's first team promotion could be fast-tracked.

"I'm bringing the boy Welbeck in," he told his pre-match press conference. "We think he's got the temperament."

Welbeck's inclusion in the squad has been prompted by the suspension of Wayne Rooney and, after a hectic midweek programme of internationals, Sir Alex is waiting on the fitness of a number of players who picked up knocks with their countries before naming his side.

"On the injury front, it's a bit difficult to say at this moment in time," he said. "I have to be clear about everyone's fitness before I start thinking about the team. Seven players played 90 minutes for their respective countries, so it's difficult to assess where I am.

"We're going to have to wait until tomorrow to get a real idea of how they are. Some have come back with knocks, some have travelled far distances like Ji-sung Park to Korea and back, so hopefully by Sunday we'll have a team we want."

Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra are suspended for Sunday's match after picking up five bookings each, while Brazilian playmaker Elano and Croatian defender Vedran Corluka are also banned for City.