Swansea v Manchester United: Preview

Wayne Rooney could have a key role to play

Manchester United travel to Swansea with an injury-depleted squad after Tom Cleverley was ruled out until Christmas.

The highly-rated midfielder has ankle ligament damage and he will be joined on the sidelines by Danny Welbeck (muscle strain) and Michael Owen (thigh).

Ferguson must decide where to play star duo Wayne Rooney and Phil Jones, with both being employed in midfield in recent games. Dimitar Berbatov - who boss Sir Alex Ferguson said would have his contract extended beyond next summer - could come into contention.

Midfielder Darren Fletcher, meanwhile,is preparing for a "real challenge" from Swansea.

The promoted Swans have made a solid start to life in the Barclays Premier League and claimed a notable goalless draw at Liverpool in their last match.

The 27-year-old Scotland international told the club's website, www.manutd.com: "It's a new experience for us all.

"They're the first Welsh team in the Premier League and going there will be a great experience.

"Swansea have been applauded for the football they've played this season."

Fletcher also hopes to take the opportunity to catch up with a former United youth team colleague during the trip to south Wales.

Alan Tate, currently sidelined with a broken leg, played alongside Fletcher before leaving for then League Two Swansea in 2004.

Fletcher said: "He was a couple of years older than me and always looked after me and made sure I was okay when I first came to Manchester.

"I'll always remember him for that. He's recovering from a bad injury at the moment and the sooner he gets back in the team the better it'll be for Sw! ansea be cause he's a top player."

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers must decide whether to bring winger Scott Sinclair back into his starting line-up for the game.

Sinclair, who has three goals to his name this season, was relegated to the bench for the goalless draw at Liverpool due to a tight hamstring, with Wayne Routledge impressing in his place.

Left-back Neil Taylor is fit after suffering an ankle knock at Anfield but the game comes too soon for centre-half Steven Caulker, who is still recovering from the knee injury he suffered at Arsenal in September.

Kemy Agustien is again in contention after returning from a hamstring problem, while fellow midfielder Stephen Dobbie is hoping for a place on the bench after overcoming an ankle injury.

Swansea (from): Vorm, Williams, Taylor, Britton, Orlandi, Graham, Sinclair, Dyer, Dobbie, Routledge, Monk, Lita, Moore, Bessone, Rangel, Allen, Tremmel, Agustien, Gower, Richards, Moras.

Manchester United (from): De Gea, Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Jones, Evra, Fabio, Valencia, Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Fletcher, Park, Cleverley, Young, Berbatov, Rooney, Hernandez, Diouf

Swansea league form: WLDWD

United league form: WDLWW

Key opponent: Vorm - keeper had a stormer against Liverpool and will be aiming to do the same against Reds

Prediction: Swansea 0 United 1 - Could be a tricky game for United, but 1-0 seems to be order of the day recently

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

Click here for all the latest odds from Betfred.

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