Ferdinand gives United a fitness boost

Manchester United's England defender Rio Ferdinand could be fit to face Sheffield United tonight, according to manager Alex Ferguson, despite being forced out of their FA Cup semi-final win over Watford on Saturday with a groin injury.

Ferguson said Ferdinand had a chance of facing the Blades as United look to extend their three-point lead over Chelsea in the Premier League table.

Ferguson is already missing four defenders due to injury - Gary Neville (ankle), Mikael Silvestre (shoulder), John O'Shea (calf) and Nemanja Vidic (shoulder) - and can ill-afford to lose the centre half.

Neville may be fit to face Milan in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on April 24.

The United skipper has been out of action since suffering an ankle injury in the win against Bolton in March.

Ferguson said: "Gary has a slight chance for the Middlesbrough game but a good chance for the Milan match."

Ferdinand's injury on Saturday meant midfielder Darren Fletcher was deployed as a makeshift right-back, with left-back Gabriel Heinze partnering Wes Brown in the centre.

If Ferdinand fails to win his fitness battle, the same back four could face Sheffield United or 18-year-old FA Youth Cup star Craig Cathcart may be given his debut.

The strength of United's squad will be tested by the injuries but Ferdinand is confident the Old Trafford side are up to the task.

"The fringe players are very important," Ferdinand said.

"Look at Darren Fletcher. He was magnificent against Roma in central midfield and then he has been asked to play at right-back and looked as though he has been there all his life.

"He is a fantastic all-round footballer, who is now starting to get the credit his footballing talent deserves.

"The manager has said all along the players who weren't necessarily playing at the start of the season are the ones who have to come to the fore.

"They have done that."