Rio Ferdinand is expected to return for The Reds, after missing United's last 20 matches. The solid centre-back has been out since October, after suffering a back injury. Hull travel to Old Trafford on Saturday - and Sir Alex has said that Ferdinand could make a start. 

Sir Alex revealed that the 31-year-old will be available for Saturday's match against Hull City at The Theatre Of Dreams, it's the weekend's only match in the League...

"I think Rio Ferdinand will play tomorrow, which is good news. He’s been training very well in the last two weeks and we've been through the whole situation with him; in terms of him doing enough training, endurance work, his timing. He’s done very well and now is the right time to bring him back."

The boss said Rio's return was 'a big boost', but also said that Nemanja Vidic is still a few weeks away from regaining full fitness.

"It’s a big boost. It’s been the weakest part of our game this season; Van der Sar, Vidic, Ferdinand, Neville, John O’Shea, Wes Brown and Jonny Evans have all been injured at various times of the season. We’ve had a rough time, so to get them all back can only be good for us. Nemanja Vidic is still probably about two weeks away, I imagine, but we’re getting closer to getting the full squad back."

United will go top if they beat Hull, who are 3rd from the bottom. The Premier League will not have any other games on this weekend, as most of the other teams are playing in The FA Cup.