Source: Daily_Mail
United will field at least one big-name at Hull as Fergie issues Rio warning
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has handed a boost to Hull City's relegation rivals by revealing Rio Ferdinand is expected to fit to play at the KC Stadium on Sunday.
The champions are expected to field a weakened team against Hull as they rest the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic ahead of Wednesday's Champions League final against Barcelona.
But Ferguson is ready to use Ferdinand, who has missed the last three matches with a calf injury, in Sunday's final Barclays Premier League match. He wants the England defender to play his way into contention for a starting place against Barcelona.
'I am hoping he will be fit for Sunday, if not he is doubtful for Wednesday that is for sure,' said the United manager.
'I think he needs a game going into the Champions League final because him having not played for three weeks is too much.
'The plan is for him to start training with us tomorrow and once we get football training we will have a better idea of his availability for Sunday.
'I think he is probably fit to play Wednesday but whether I would start him without a game is another matter.'
Ferguson also revealed utility man John O'Shea will start next week's final.
The Republic of Ireland international has filled in at right-back because of injuries to Wes Brown and Gary Neville and the United manager boss said he was keen to reward the 28-year-old's unstinting service.
'He can play anywhere for me: all along the back four, midfield - he's even played in goal for a short period - and because of injuries to Gary and Wes he's been a permanent fixture,' said Ferguson.
'He takes his place in Rome because he deserves it, because he is ahead of everyone now.
'He is a fantastic, top professional.'
And Ferguson could also hand a start to Jonny Evans.
'I have no problem with playing Evans in the final,' stated Ferguson.
'He has had an excellent season, as has Gerard Pique at Barcelona and, in a way, it would be a fitting mark to our academy if they were both to play in it.
'That would be a nice touch.'
