SIR Alex Ferguson is predicting a massive backlash after United's woeful Champions League performance in Stuttgart.

And Birmingham could feel the pain as the Reds manager issued a rallying call ahead of tomorrow's Old Trafford clash.

"There is nothing else for it but to bounce back," Fergie said. "We have got the character to do so.

"For a five-minute period in Germany we made them look a good team and after the way we'd played this season it was a shock and a disappointment.

"But it is nothing new. We have been through it all before and we usually react well.

"Birmingham have had a good start to the season and they are a very committed side. We'll have to do a good job to recover."

Ferdy doubt

And Ruud van Nistelrooy, who rediscovered his spot-kick form in the Neckarstadion on an otherwise grim night for Ferguson's men, is backing his boss.

The Dutchman said: "We know what went wrong and we know that next time we will do things better.

"We made a few mistakes and Stuttgart punished us but you have to give them credit because they are a good side. We have to move on from here."

Rio Ferdinand is United's major doubt as Sir Alex plans to reshuffle his side.

The £30m defender, who has come under fire following a defensive performance in Germany branded as "terrible"by his manager, damaged his ankle when he crashed heavily into a second-half challenge that gave away a penalty against the German Bundesliga leaders.

"Rio's injury is the only one giving us cause for concern after Wednesday night," Sir Alex said.

"There is a bit of swelling and he is a doubt for the Birmingham game. When you are travelling back with an injury it is never ideal being on a plane and we'll have to wait and see how he is."

Ferdinand could be the one forced change to face Reds old boy Steve Bruce's team but Fergie is planning to shake up his side anyway after the 2-1 defeat by Stuttgart.

Changes

"We've had a hard game in Europe and when you have a big squad then you have to utilise it.

"I will be making one or two changes tomorrow and I'll be thinking about in what areas today," he added.

It is likely that midfielders Nicky Butt and Eric Djemba Djemba will be high on Fergie's list of players ready for another run.

Butt has made only three starts and two sub appearances all season and summer buy Cameroon international Djemba Djemba hasn't started a United first team match since the Southampton defeat at St Mary's in August.

David Bellion, Darren Fletcher and Diego Forlan will also be hoping to get the United manager's nod tomorrow against a side yet to lose this season and positioned just two points behind United in the Premiership table with a game in hand.

Last season: Manchester United 2 Birmingham City 0

Key opponent: Christophe Dugarry - The Frenchman will be hoping to cause United more defensive jitters.

Prediction: Manchester United 2 Birmingham 0

BETFRED:

Man U 1/3 Draw 10/3 Bham 15/2

Correct Score
Man Utd To Win
1-0 13/2
2-0 11/2
2-1 9/1
3-0 8/1
3-1 10/1
3-2 25/1
4-0 14/1
4-1 14/1
5-0 28/1

1st/Last Goalscorer In Match
Van Nistelrooy 2/1
Scholes 5/1
Forlan 5/1
Ronaldo 15/2
Giggs 9/2
Bellion 9/1
Keane 12/1
Fortune 14/1
Djemba Djemba 16/1
Butt 25/1
Phil Neville 25/1

Scorecast:

Van Nistelrooy & Utd 2-0 16
Scholes Utd 3-0 40
Giggs & Utd 4-0 60

Odds subject to fluctuation, other odds available. For all the latest odds, ring BETFRED on 0800 73 11 210

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