WES Brown will miss Manchester United’s clash with Hull after picking up an ankle injury.

Brown should be fit to face Celtic on Wednesday but his absence means Gary Neville is set for the right-back slot.

Edwin van der Sar and Michael Carrick should also be handed starting berths as United look to keep the pressure on Barclays Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Ahead of the game Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted he can handle the striking dilemma that is causing the United manager a headache.

He must decide whether to leave out in-form Wayne Rooney, record signing Dimitar Berbatov or last season’s inspiration Carlos Tevez.

Although Rooney was the odd man out on Wednesday when United overcame West Ham, Tevez has largely been the one left among the substitutes.

The situation has led some to question whether the 24-year-old will sign a permanent contract with the Old Trafford outfit as expected when his present loan deal expires at the end of the season.

Ferguson admitted the situation is more delicate than the one he tackled in 1999, when Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were vying for a place in the Scot’s team.

However, he does not feel a solution is beyond his experienced grasp.

“It is much more delicate handling the striking situation now,” said Ferguson.

“In those days there was that northern European culture that was easier to manage. There was a British mentality and there was no problem dealing with it.

Integral

“None of them were happy when they didn’t play but they understood and it wasn’t an issue.

“I sat Wayne down the other day and told him I had to find out how Dimitar and Carlos played together. He understood that. But I don’t think he would be too impressed if I left him out of two or three games.

“However, I don’t think it is unmanageable.”

Ferguson revealed during the week that he had a similar chat with Tevez, aimed at reassuring the former Boca Juniors man he remains an integral part of his plans.

The message seemed to get home, with Ferguson also hinting he may give the axis of Tevez and Berbatov another try when United entertain Hull tomorrow.

“On Wednesday I wanted to see how the combination of Berbatov and Tevez was together. But Carlos was so wound up to do well himself that they became two different parts.

“I think they will be far better tomorrow - if I pick them.”

Tevez’s maraudings could have been one of the reasons United’s performance dropped off after the break, although Ferguson is not about to castigate the South American.

“Carlos was so keen to do well but he used up too much energy,” reflected the Reds chief.

“But it is not a bad thing to try too hard.”

Ferguson wanted to speak with Tevez today - but only about Maradona.

The Argentina FA have sprang a major surprise by naming the legendary forward as their new coach.

There has been some speculation that Maradona will be at Old Trafford tomorrow to see Tevez in action, although neither the player, nor the United department that organises tickets
for such dignitaries, have been informed of his impending arrival.

“There has been no application for a ticket from the Argentina FA so far,” revealed Ferguson.

“But listening to Carlos, all the players are delighted so it could work.

“He will be an inspirational figure to the team. He has also brought in Carlos Bilardo, who was the coach of the team he won the World Cup with in 1986.

“There is a combination there. The calming influence and experience of Bilardo will be good for Maradona.”

But the mere mention of Maradona’s name was enough to spark a row at United’s Carrington training complex as a dressing room divided over whether the Argentina superstar could be rated above Pele as the best player of all time.

“As soon as we spoke about Maradona, a great debate started in the dressing room about who was the best player in the world.

“It was a good discussion and got a few people fired up.”

And who won?

“They are still fighting.”

Hull will make their first change in six matches with captain Ian Ashbee suspended for the game.

Ashbee must serve a one-game ban after being booked for the fifth time this season against West Brom last weekend.

Bryan Hughes, a substitute four times this season, could come in but Bernard Mendy is also an option.

Record signing Anthony Gardner faces a further three weeks out after pulling a thigh muscle in a friendly against Leeds on Monday. Gardner lost his place last month after injuring his opposite thigh.

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Neville, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, O’Shea, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs, Nani, Park, Rooney, Berbatov, Tevez.

Hull City (from): Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Marney, Hughes, Boateng, Geovanni, King, Cousin, Barmby, Garcia, Windass, Mendy, Halmosi, Folan, Ricketts, Giannakopoulos, Duke.

United league form: WWWDW

Hull league form: WWWWL

Key opponent: Geovanni - Brazilian capable of flashes of brilliance

Prediction: United 3 Hull 0 - Despite the Tigers' stunning start the Reds should win comfortably

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You can get 6/1 on United winning 3-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.