United boss Sir Alex set to make changes for crucial clash with Boro

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson at the European Cup semi-final first leg at Old TraffordSir Alex Ferguson has pledged to make wholesale changes to his Manchester United line-up for Saturday's Premier League trip to Middlesbrough.Once again, United find themselves facing the prospect of having to prepare for a major European game on a Tuesday night knowing they must get through a lunchtime league encounter first.Last time, Ferguson gambled by pushing the Old Trafford encounter with Aston Villa back 24 hours, meaning he had only two days to prepare for the quarter-final first-leg against FC Porto.That move backfired and after the 1-0 win over Arsenal, the Red Devils chief is anxious to avoid a repeat.Instead, he will make up to eight changes, given Rio Ferdinand is also a major doubt with a rib injury.'I do not think it is right that we have a lunchtime kick-off at Middlesbrough,' he reflected.'Obviously I will bring some freshness into the team. The defence will be the same, apart from Rio but the midfield and forwards could change completely.'Ferguson feels the one big advantage Arsenal have is their lack of a pressing need for points at Portsmouth on Saturday, whereas his own team require victory to maintain their lead at the Premier League summit.'They can play Pat Rice at right-back and Arsene himself at centre-forward on Saturday,' said Ferguson.'We have to play a team to win the game.'Ferguson feels Wenger will be a relieved man that his side are not out of the tie already such was United's dominance.Arsenal are still in with a chance thanks to the heroics of Manuel Almunia, who pulled off a string of fine saves. United will take a 1-0 lead to the Emirates after John O'Shea's winnerCristiano Ronaldo also smashed a shot against the crossbar, while Ryan Giggs had a goal ruled out for a debatable offside decision.However, John O'Shea did find the net with a smart 17th-minute finish that he dedicated to his father, who has been battling back after a recent illness.'John O'Shea took the goal really well,' said Ferguson. 'He is a great professional.'The boy never complains. He is happy to play anywhere.'He has not always been a number-one choice but he produces 30 performances aseason and it is a contribution we are grateful for.'He has played in both full-back positions, central defence and in midfield. He is so versatile and offers such great value for us.'He has played in most games this season. At the present moment in time, he would be in the team if we got to the final.' It's not enough, Fergie: Wenger insists United will pay for missesHero Almunia fires out warning to United as Arsenal eye final spotManchester United 1 Arsenal 0: O'Shea hits a bullseye but Almunia keeps cagey Gunners in race to finalMARTIN SAMUEL: Just come in No 32 . the price is too highMANCHESTER UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail