All of the latest news relating to Manchester United ahead of their match with Braga tonight.
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that defender Chris Smalling will play some part in the Champions League match against Braga. Smalling has been out of action since the start of the season and could feature on the subs bench for United after returning to training.
Manchester United will become one of the first sides to qualify for the knock out stage of the Champions League with a win against Braga. United are top of their group with a perfect record and a win would seal their last 16 place as they look for a more favourable knock out round tie.
Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he has one eye on the knock out stage of the Champions League. A win against Braga would put United in the last 16 and Ferguson has admitted his side could get better as the competition goes on with the return of key players.
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that midfielders Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes will play no part in the Champions League match against Braga. Fletcher did not train yesterday while Scholes has simply been left behind to rest ahead of important Premier League matches.
Sir Alex Ferguson has said that he believes his team have learnt the lessons from their mistakes in the Champions League last season. United failed to get out of the group stage in the last tournament but go into their match against Braga with three wins from their first three group games.
Manchester United continue to be linked with Blackpool winger Tom Ince as speculation over a move grows. United have been linked with the player for a number of weeks with a bid thought to be imminent once the January transfer window opens up. Blackpool are yet to put a price on the player.
Real Madrid have been linked with a move for out of favour Manchester United winger Nani. Reports suggest the Spanish champions are keen to bring in the winger as cover for the wide areas of their team. However, Nani is thought to be seeking a move which will guarantee regular first team football.
Manchester United scouts have been tracking the progress of Watford defender Tommie Hoban according to reports. United scouts have apparently been spotted at recent Watford games with the central defender thought to be on the radar of the current Premier League leaders.
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