Manchester United pre-game latest: Including Chelsea preview and link to German star

Sir Alex Ferguson has said that his side will be aiming to make it back-to-back wins over Chelsea in the League Cup. United are set to make a number of changes from the side which defeated Chelsea in the Premier League but Ferguson has stated that the determination will be the same. The club's 23-man squad has been named.

Sir Alex Ferguson has said that a good run in the League Cup will benefit the club both on and off the pitch. United have to overcome Chelsea to make the quarter-finals stage but Ferguson says he is confident despite a number of changes that will be made to the United first team.

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez looks set to haunt Chelsea for the second time in four days. Chicharito scored the winner for United in the Premier League match last Sunday and is set to lead the attack for the League Cup game. Hernandez will get a hostile reception after celebrating his winner in front of Chelsea fans.

Manchester United are scouting Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender according to national newspaper the Daily Mail. Bender is a regular German international and the ideal man to come into the United midfield to replace the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs who are nearing the end of their careers.

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling could be back in the squad for the Premier League match against Arsenal this weekend. Smalling has been working hard in training to regain his fitness and he could take a place on the bench for the massive clash against the North London side.

Manchester United winger Nani looks almost certain to leave the club after contract talks have fallen apart. Nani and United were thought to be negotiating a new deal which would have seen the player stay at the club and possibly leave on loan. However, reports this morning suggest no new deal is imminent.

Manchester United remain interested in Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha according to the latest reports. United are thought to be locked in a battle with Arsenal for the £20 million rated wide man. Any move for Zaha could signal the end of Nani’s career at the club.

Manchester United defender Michael Keane has said he is hoping the League Cup will give him a way into the first team on a regular basis. Keane is expected to feature in the tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as United look set to name an inexperienced back four to rest key defenders.

Lewis Doe

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Lewis Doe is a freelance writer and editor who seeks to bring you the biggest, smallest and most interesting stories from the football world. Lewis has previously written for some of the biggest football news and opinion sites in the world including FootballFanCast and Goal.com International. Lewis is also experienced writing in the betting industry and aims to deliver his stories with up to date factual and statistical information. He hopes to sum up stories for the site and provide an angle on the issue moving forward.