MANCHESTER United are ready to take on the World next summer with skipper Roy Keane hoping he can join in the party, too.

Eleven United players have fingers crossed after helping their countries book a place in the finals when football's biggest showpiece hits South Korea and Japan.

If the rules allowed it, the Old Trafford stars could even field a team of their own. From goalkeeper Fabien Barthez through to a front line of Andy Cole and Paul Scholes, the United contingent includes a player for every position, and provided Keane's Republic of Ireland can overcome Iran in the play-offs, they might even throw in a substitute as well!

Places booked

Barthez and defender Mikael Silvestre have had their places booked since 1998 when France lifted the trophy. As members of the holders' squad they avoided the pressures of playing in the qualifying stages and now the experienced Barthez, who has collected virtually every honour in the game, is hoping he can make it two World Cup wins in a row.

Silvestre did not feature in France '98 but has since broken into his national side and seems certain to be in the squad for the Far East trip next May.

England could have two United players occupying their full back positions with Gary and Phil Neville both having a good chance of being in Sven Goran Eriksson's squad.

Wes Brown is another likely to be included in the party of defenders.

United are on target to have five midfielders involved and they will come from four different nations.

The England contingent will include skipper David Beckham, the versatile Scholes and Nicky Butt, who will be hoping to do enough to secure his place.

The other midfielders whose countries have already qualified are Juan Sebastian Veron (Argentina) and Quinton Fortune (South Africa), and there could be a man to spare if Keane can help the Irish get through the play-offs.

Missing out

But despite the success, some of United's big names will miss out.

Ryan Giggs will be staying at home following the failure by Wales to qualify, as will Dutch star Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ronny Johnsen failed to make it with Norway and so has reserve 'keeper Roy Carroll who was in the Northern Ireland squad.

UNITED WORLD CUP SIDE: Barthez, G Neville, Brown, Silvestre, P.Neville, Beckham, Veron, Butt, Fortune, Cole, Scholes.

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