United have eight defenders out of action, with Nemanja Vidic (flu), Rio Ferdinand (calf), Wes Brown (hamstring), Gary Neville (groin), Rafael (shoulder) and Fabio da Silva (groin) are sidelined.

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United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, serving the first of a five-match touchline ban, was in regular telephone contact with the United dugout and acted to change his side at half-time, replacing the injured Brown with Fabio da Silva and replacing Hernandez with Berbatov.

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With Brazilian Da Silva brothers, Fabio and Rafael, also sidelined, the only orthodox defender Ferguson has in his squad is left-back Patrice Evra.

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