No gifts from Santa

Roque Santa Cruz has warned United that they will not get an easy ride at Ewood Park on Saturday as Blackburn look to keep their slim chances of UEFA Cup qualification alive.

Mark Hughes' side lie ninth in the table, 10 points adrift of Everton, who currently occupy the all important fifth spot.

United on the other hand know victory over their Lancashire rivals would edge them to within three points of the title, but Santa Cruz insists Blackburn have just as much to play for.

"We have nothing against Manchester United winning the league, but we are in need of points to get closer into Europe," he declared.

"That's our ambition, but there's few games left, so for me this game against United is like a cup final.

"If we want to keep the pressure on Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Everton, we need to get a result."