The veteran coach claims that it is imperative to seal three points in Portugal tomorrow, so that he can choose rest Rio Ferdinand for the remaining games.
Sir http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rio-Ferdinand-c31173 this term following injuries to the rest of his central-defenders.
The Scot has a major problem in his backline, as young stars http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nemanja-Vidic-c27550 is still struggling to overcome his knee problem.
Fergie has allowed Evans and Ferdinand to continue their blossoming partnership from last year but considering the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 International’s age, he cannot be named in the starting eleven for every game.
For Cup games, the long-serving boss opted for Scott Wootton but with the Premier League intensifying over the last few days, he is eager to give Ferdinand a break from continuous play.
The easiest way to do so would be by wrapping up qualification in the UEFA Champions League, something which the former Aberdeen boss claimed should be done when the Reds play http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/SC-Braga-c40460 in Portugal.
Speaking to reporters, the trainer said that tomorrow’s crucial clash in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Portugal-c2984 will allow him to tweak his line-up but priority will be placed on coming away with three points and a berth in the latter stages of the European competition.
"The game in Braga will give me a chance to utilise my squad. I'll be making some changes. If we can get the win it's better, but we want to make sure we qualify first. If we do, it gives me options to utilise Smalling and Jones.”
Continuing, Ferguson added that he couldn’t risk his senior centre-back twice a week because it would have an adverse effect on his ageing limbs.
"Then we can make sure that Ferdinand is fresh for all these games. I won't have to worry about playing him Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday and Wednesday,” the United manager was quoted as saying while talking to the media.
The 19-time English champions play Braga in Portugal tomorrow and following a tough comeback at Old Trafford against the same opponents, Ferguson will be hoping that his troops are luckier this time around.
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