Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic could be back to bolster Manchester United's flagging Premier League title challenge against West Ham today.

Sir Alex Ferguson has not had his first-choice central defensive partnership available since October but with Ferdinand now clear of suspension and Vidic over the nerve problem that has prevented him making an appearance in 2010, both are expected to start against the Hammers.

With the Carling Cup final just five days away, Ferguson might have been tempted to rest Wayne Rooney but that hardly seems likely in the wake of Saturday's defeat at Everton that left the Red Devils four points adrift of Chelsea. Nani is still suspended.

As someone who has finished a champion in each of his three full seasons since his £18.6million move to Old Trafford from Tottenham, midfielder Michael Carrick is reluctant to let than run come to an end.

However, he knows extending it means inflicting some pain on West Ham, the club where he started his career and who he clearly retains a lot of affection for.

"West Ham gave me my chance,'' he said. "They took me away from home, taught me a lot of things and guided me through.

They gave me a chance in the first team, so I have a lot to thank them for.

"I still have a lot of friends there who I like to see when I go back.

"But, obviously, when we kick off it is business as usual and I am desperate to get the win.''

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has doubts over striker Benni McCarthy.

The South African star, who signed for the Hammers on the last day of the January transfer window, has been out with a knee problem since the 2-1 defeat at Burnley on February 10.

England midfielder Kieron Dyer and defender Danny Gabbidon (both hamstring) are not yet fully fit.

Herita Ilunga is set to miss out with a tendon injury while Luis Boa Morte (knee), Calum Davenport (leg) and Zavon Hines (knee) are all long-term absentees.

The victory over Hull on Saturday pushed West Ham into 13th place in the Premier League table and optimism has returned ahead of the trip to Old Tafford.

Midfielder Scott Parker said: "I said a few weeks ago when we were on a bit of a bad run of results that, if we could put two wins back-to-back, we could really go places.

"We've now got those two wins back-to-back and hopefully we can push on. We've had two good results against an in-form Birmingham and we came out worthy winners on Saturday.

"We've got a tough game at Manchester United and we go there with massive confidence.

"We all know how hard it is going to Old Trafford and they're coming off a little stinging at Everton but we'll go there and see what we can do.''
ESPN

manure will play all the footie, but west ham will hold their own.
it'll be a draw.

ManU should win easily,if d boys dont respond 2 d Everton noshow by poundin West Ham then dey should 4get abt d title challenge.we r at home and should b driven by d Everton loss and thots of closin d gap on Chelsea

@Tayo
Enemy of progress.

Today's game is gonna b a cracker.i don't see manu takin d winner because dey'l play unda presure & wil b naild by thir foe

The score is going 2 b manu 1 westham 2. westham, go all d waaaaaaaaaaaa, y!!!

United will win 3-0. A win is so certain.

Let forget about sentiment, we all know united will win playing at home

Dclique:

United will win 3-0. A win is so certain.

abrahym:

Let forget about sentiment, we all know united will win playing at home

And when has football scoreboard become "A for Apple"?

Any link guys. am stuck at work

Foster in goal. . .hallelujah

anderson injured

Behrami should have scored!!!!

HNIC:

Behrami should have scored!!!!

Go and help him now

FYI, Almighty Barca is presently being ra.ped by Stuttgart at the moment

dayokanu:

FYI, Almighty Barca is presently being ra.ped by Stuttgart at the moment

It's only the 1st half

dayokanu:

FYI, Almighty Barca is presently being ra.ped by Stuttgart at the moment

I still can't believe how ordinary they have made barca look

presido1:

Go and help him now

Watch me celebrate when he scores

goalllllllllllllllllllll roooonnneeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Great move . . . . Great finish

What a GOAL!!

Chelsea fan in peace--- i think Valencia has a better delivery than Nani. And your boy Rooney is finally erasing CR7's memories

damn!!!  :oparka nearly took off the crossbar

God forbid Manure dont win this game ooo

Up gunners

HNIC pls start laffing now or for ever remain

Rooney Boy shrek head

Rooney again??

Thank God I bought the hairy ogre in my fantasy team and made him Captain.

Isn't it so sweet to see us play, We go need agbo jedi oooo

wht is the scores now pls reply .

3-0 in favor of Man Utd.

femzy:

Isn't it so sweet to see us play, We go need agbo jedi oooo

One of the managers up london need that agbo.

Don't mess with the Reds, man!

up man u