MANCHESTER UNITED De Gea Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra  Kagawa, Carrick, Anderson Rooney Van Persie, Hernandez

STOKE CITY Begovic Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson N'Zonzi, Whelan Walters, Adam, Kightly Crouch

Chris Smalling (metatarsal) is nearing a return after missing the opening two months of the season but Phil Jones and Nemanja Vidic (both knee) are both still about a month away from returning.

Ashley Young (knee), meanwhile, could be in contention to make his first appearance since August 25, but a start looks unlikely.

Coming into one of their most challenging matches of the season, Stoke have almost a full squad to pick from with very few players unavailable for Tony Pulis.

Michael Owen had been struggling with a knock recently but is expected to be available for selection, while Glenn Whelan (hamstring) is a little more doubtful and his fitness will be determined on Friday.

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  Manchester United have managed to save nine points from losing positions so far this season, more than any other team in the Premier League.

• With five goals, the Red Devils have scored more from corners than any other side.

• Robin van Persie has a good record against Stoke with six goals in his five league matches against them.

• Javier Hernandez (pictured right) also enjoys facing the Potters, scoring four times in his four appearances against Tony Pulis’ side.

• Stoke have not won any of the last 12 meetings with United at Old Trafford in all competitions, losing 11 and drawing once.

• Michael Owen could make his first appearance against United since leaving them on a free transfer in the summer.

• Sixty-seven per cent of Stoke’s league goals this season have come from set-pieces.

• The 2-0 win over Swansea in late September remains Stoke’s only win in all competitions this season.

• Pulis’ men have not won any of their last 13 league matches away from home, with their six points all coming in draws.