Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to rush Brazilian brothers Fabio and Rafael Da Silva back into his Manchester United line-up for the trip to Hull.The teenage duo have both been absent with shoulder problems but as United's defensive problems continue could be unleashed against Phil Brown's men.
Ferguson is crossing his fingers that either Wes Brown (hamstring) or Nemanja Vidic (thigh) are able to play, having expressed confidence they should both be available for the clash with Wigan on December 30.
United's defence has been decimated by injuries in recent weeks with midfielders Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher being forced to play at the back in the absence of Ferdinand, Vidic, Brown, Jonny Evans, John O'Shea and Gary Neville.
Champions United were hammered 3-0 at Fulham last week, their second league defeat in three games, leaving them five points behind leaders Chelsea.
But Hull boss Brown knows better than to take an under-strength Manchester United lightly.
With a Champions League final to prepare for, United fielded a virtual third-string side in the corresponding fixture last season - and still won 1-0. That result, on the final day of the campaign, would have relegated the Tigers had Newcastle not been beaten on the same afternoon.
Brown said: "There have been one or two surprises there this year, probably lads in the reserves at the start of the season that didn't think they would get a chance.
"But they are Manchester United players, it is as simple as that. They made a lot of changes last year and beat us 1-0, playing some great football. We have got to be prepared for that. Whatever comes out of Manchester United's changing room is good enough."
Hull expect to have veteran midfielder Nick Barmby available. The former England international has not trained this week after suffering a calf injury during last weekend's defeat at Arsenal but should be fit.
Brown has no other fitness concerns aside from long-term casualties Jimmy Bullard and Ian Ashbee.
Midfielder Seyi Olofinjana is due to link up with Nigeria for the African Nations Cup after the game.
Dean Marney, Stephen Hunt and Kamil Zayatte are all one booking away from an automatic suspension.PA Sport
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