United conceded three goals against Reading at the weekend

Captain has been out since September

Defender available again following knee surgery during summer

United beat West Ham 1-0 in midweek

Premier League team news

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has indicated midfielder Anderson will start against West Ham in midweek.

Norwich City 1 Manchester United 0

Aston Villa 2 Manchester United 3

Braga 1 Manchester United 3

All for one, one for all. But if Chelsea's famous three musketeers are all deployed in the self-same role, then there are bound to be times when it will feel like 11 versus nine. That was certainly the case against Shakhtar Donetsk last week, and two red cards yesterday gave the disparity a literal quality. A far more telling void, however, was the fact that Fernando Torres was on the point of being substituted when receiving his second yellow card, for simulation. However harsh that specific charge, many would have found him guilty of a more generic impersonation for the previous 69 minutes. And the direct consequence was that all three – Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar – ended up being taken off instead.

Chelsea 2 Manchester United 3: Dismissal of Fernando Torres allows United to steal a march in title race before post-match abuse row leaves a stain

Manchester United 4 Stoke City 2: United striker reaches 200 Premier League goals while Ferguson questions his defence

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants a reaction similar to that which followed defeat at Newcastle last season as his side travel to Tyneside again.

1. United's defence is not what it used to be...