[funkdoctorspock]

hmmm.

Now reading reports that Manucho is just fine.

So fine in fact, that he's included in the the team's lineup against Boro in the Carling Cup.

The African spent the latter half of last season on loan in Greece with Panathinaikos but has now received his work permit and recovered from a broken metatarsal, so should start against Gareth Southgate's men.

Anderson and Nani are also expected to be in Sir Alex Ferguson's 20-man squad, while Gary Neville should also get some more match practice, with Cristiano Ronaldo once again expected to be on the bench as he continues to search for top form after his recent ankle operation.

Brazilian defender Fabio Da Silva will miss the tie, though, after being forced to undergo a shoulder operation.

Da Silva would have been a certain starter but is instead undergoing rehabilitation work for an injury that is likely to rule him out for a couple of months.

United (from): Kuszczak, Amos, Neville, R Da Silva, O'Shea, Evans, Gray, Chester, Eckersley, Hargreaves, Ronaldo, Anderson, Nani, Gibson, Hewson, Possebon, Cleverley, Welbeck, Manucho.

Source