Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Smith set for United start

24 Oct 2006 - 16:05:23

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Sir Alex Ferguson is set to hand Alan Smith his first start for eight months when Manchester United begin their defence of the Carling Cup at Crewe Alexandra on Wednesday.

Smith has been restricted to two brief appearances from the bench since recovering from the broken leg he suffered in an FA Cup tie at Liverpool in February.

The injury ensured the England international missed last season's final triumph against Wigan Athletic and he is determined to make up for that disappointment.

"We'll definitely be taking the game seriously," the 25-year-old told United's official website.

"We won the Carling Cup last season and we've got to make sure we do it again; the more silverware this club wins the better it is for everyone.

"There are players who are fighting for first team places and those like myself who are coming back from injury who will be playing on Wednesday. So it's a vital game for us and one that we're all looking forward to."

Gabriel Heinze and Mikael Silvestre are expected to return after injury, while youngsters Ryan Shawcross, Kieran Lee and David Gray are also likely to feature at Gresty Road.