Squad will ease festive burden, says Fergie

Strength in depth will power Manchester United through the busy Christmas period according to manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

United travel to Blackpool this weekend looking to bounce back from their midweek 4-0 League Cup defeat at West Ham.

Ferguson said: “You are aware that you have to use your squad well because there are so many games, particularly during that week between Christmas and New Year.”

“Three matches in six days is a lot. It is a hectic period but we have the players to cope. Hopefully we’ll be in the right position come the start of January.”

Paul Scholes could be set to bolster the side after coming back from a niggling calf problem.

Michael Owen is back in training but will not feature and Owen Hargreaves is still struggling with hamstring trouble.

Ferguson said: “Michael Owen’s training now, he’s doing very well. He took part in the football side of it on Thursday but I would say he’s two weeks away.”

“We need to make sure he does a good stint of football training before we bring him into the games.”

“Owen Hargreaves is still recovering from his hamstring injury.

“It’s a bad blow for the lad and it’s hard to take, given the length of time he’s been out and the amount of football he’s missed.”

Star names Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov all look set to be recalled after missing that midweek defeat.

Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs should retain their places from the West Ham game.