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Nani and Antonio Valencia could both play a key part in United’s Champions League second leg last 16 tie against Marseille at Old Trafford on Tuesday, while Michael Carrick and Nemanja Vidic should both be fit to play.

There is a need to attack and score goals with the tie locked at 0-0 at the halfway point, and so the creative talents of Nani and Valencia could be a major boost to Sir Alex Ferguson. Nani was forced off in the defeat to Liverpool at Anfield with a deep gash on his shin following a terrible tackle from Jamie Carragher.

The Portuguese missed Saturday’s 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Arsenal, but Valencia made his comeback in the match as a second-half substitute, six months after suffering a broken ankle and ligament damage against Rangers in the Champions League.

“There’s a good chance Nani will be involved,” Sir Alex said. “He trained on Sunday along with Carrick. That’s a better situation than we had at the weekend. Both will be involved on Tuesday night.

“It was a fantastic bonus for us to get 45 minutes out of Valencia against Arsenal too. It was a great step forward considering he has been out for such a long time. The question is whether I can play him from the start or continue as I did on Saturday with him as a substitute. It’s a great dilemma, a real selection poser for me - but it's a good one to have.”

Vidic missed training on Monday morning while he underwent treatment on a knock sustained against the Gunners, but the Reds captain is expected to start alongside Chris Smalling in defence against Didier Deschamps' side. "He got a knock and was receiving treatment today. Hopefully he'll be OK, he's tough enough."

The wider picture in terms of injuries looks promising for United. Ji-sung Park, who hasn't played since 26 December owing to international duty and a hamstring injury, and Owen Hargreaves (also hamstring) are both back in training, albeit currently separately from the first-team group. Jonny Evans is due back, if not against Bolton Wanderers at the weekend then after the forthcoming international break.

There was no mention of Darren Fletcher (who has been suffering with illness), Rio Ferdinand (calf) or Anderson (knee), but all are expected back for the key stages of the campaign. “It’s an important time now and we’re in three tournaments,” added the boss. “The key now is to have everyone available. It would be nice to have that.

“Ji-sung Park is making good progress now and hopefully we’ll have him back by Saturday. Owen Hargreaves started training this morning (Monday) and hopefully… you never know, I may have him available towards the end of the season. It doesn’t matter how many players have been injured in the past, it’s important to have as many available for the run-in as possible. If we have that then it definitely increases our chances [of success].”


Source: Manutd.com