The young midfielder is named in an 18-man party, that doesn’t contain either Nobby Solano or Hugo Viana, although Gary Speed is included despite being a doubtful starter after his exertions for Wales.
As expected Kieron Dyer, Jonathan Woodgate and Alan Shearer are all back and expected to start, while Lomana LuaLua’s dispute with Sir Bobby seems to be over as he is included rather than Carl Cort.
Manchester City will be without the suspended Shaun Wright-Phillips and injury victims Claudio Reyna, Danny Tiatto and Nicky Weaver, but David Seaman will return.
Squads:
United: Ambrose, Ameobi, Bernard, Bowyer, Bramble, S Caldwell, Dyer, Given, Harper, Hughes, Jenas, LuaLua, O'Brien, Orr, Robert, Shearer, Speed, Woodgate.
Man City: Seaman, Ellegaard, Sun, Distin, Dunne, Sommeil, Wiekens, Bosvelt, Berkovic, McManaman, Sinclair, Tarnat, Sibierski, Barton, Anelka, Wanchope, Fowler, Macken.
Referee: Neale Barry (Scunthorpe)