United boosted by Young return

Sir Alex Ferguson says Ashley Young will be involved against Stoke City but Chris Smalling isn't ready to return for Manchester United.

The Old Trafford boss welcomes back Young after almost two months out with a knee injury and he could even start against the Potters, although Ferguson will juggle his squad carefully in a week which features a midweek Champions League clash before the crunch game against table-toppers Chelsea next Sunday. Smalling is not yet ready to return after his foot injury but all the players involved for their countries during the international break have returned without adding to the manager's problems. Ferguson said: "It's always a time when you're a bit concerned but we've been lucky this time." Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand will continue in central defence with Rafael and Patrice Evra likely to keep their places in an unchanged back four. Anderson could be in line to replace Tom Cleverley in midfield while Javier Hernandez will be hoping to get the nod over Danny Welbeck up front. Anders Lindegaard will most probably take over from David de Gea in goal after the manager highlighted Stoke's size and set-piece power as a big threat on Saturday.