Sir Alex set to ring changes

Sir Alex Ferguson will continue his policy of youth alongside older, more experienced heads when the Reds take on Queens Park Rangers in the Carling Cup fourth round at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

After handing out four first United starts and three debuts outright in the 3-1 third round win over Middlesbrough, the Reds boss is set for a similar approach as he rings the changes after Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Arsenal.

Sir Alex says: “The younger ones who will play will be Jonny Evans, Rodrigo Possebon, Rafael, Darron Gibson, Danny Welbeck – who is back playing now in the Reserves after overcoming injury – and possibly Manucho. The rest of the team will be filled by the first team squad.”

It’s a comeback to first-team action for Brazilian midfielder Possebon, who suffered a nasty injury in the last round after a crunching tackle from Emanuel Pogatetz. Initial fears of a broken leg or damaged knee ligaments thankfully did not materialise, and it will be a welcome return to the Old Trafford stage for the creative 19-year-old midfielder.

“There’s absolutely no problem with the boy now,” added the boss. “We did worry at the time, but fortunately he was OK.”

However, there’s still not a chance for United fans to Fabio, twin brother of Rafael, who hit a wonderful volley against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium at the weekend. Fabio, who plays on the left side of defence had an operation on his shoulder recently and won’t recover in time to play.