Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Ruud van Nistelrooy will start Saturday's Premiership encounter with Portsmouth at Old Trafford.
Van Nistelrooy made a 30-minute appearance against AC Milan in midweek after three months out with an Achilles injury and the Dutchman will now step up his drive for match fitness by taking his place in what is likely to be a much-changed starting line-up.
"Ruud will be in from the start, no doubt about that," Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News. "It is always difficult coming on off the bench, especially after a long time out with injury and in a match like that, but Ruud did really well."
Prior to the FA Cup win over Everton, Ferguson said some of his senior stars would need a rest this weekend, so Roy Keane is almost certain to stand down, while Wayne Rooney might also be granted a break.
Roy Carroll is expected to continue in goal despite his costly blunder against Milan, while Mikael Silvestre and Phil Neville are hoping for a recall.
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