Cantona's next step

Eric Cantona is likely to be in the starting line-up as Manchester United bid to overturn their 3-0 Coca-Cola Cup first-leg deficit against York City at Bootham Crescent tonight.

"There is every chance that Eric will start the game," said Alex Ferguson, the United manager, who will be without the injured Denis Irwin and probably Nicky Butt, although Roy Keane and Andy Cole are available.

The game will be the first the Frenchman has played away from Old Trafford since the events at Selhurst Park in January, which resulted in his eight- month ban. Ferguson has made it clear that he hoped for protection measures when his side travels away from home following Cantona's return.

However, Keith Usher, the York secretary, denied there was any need to step up security. "As far as we're concerned it's just a normal game to us," he said. "Whether it was Cantona or Maradona makes no difference, no player needs protection here."

York's understudy goalkeeper, Andy Warrington, 19, will make his full debut in place of Dean Kiely, who is ruled out by the broken nose and facial injuries he sustained in the 3-0 win at Hull City on Saturday.