I believe it was racist! Rio breaks his silence while brother Anton stands firm in Terry race row

Rio Ferdinand has broken his silence on the controversy that has rocked football by telling friends he believes England and Chelsea captain John Terry's clash with his younger brother, the QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, involved language that was 'blatantly racist'.

The 32-year-old Manchester United defender, England captain before Terry's reinstatement to the role last March, has watched television images of the moment in Chelsea's 1-0 defeat at QPR when Terry is alleged to have used the words '****ing black ****' in an exchange with the younger Ferdinand.

Breaking his silence: Ferdinand believes the language Terry used was 'racist' 

Terry does not deny using the words, but claims the context in which he said them meant they could not be taken as racist abuse. The Chelsea captain insists that he was simply asking Ferdinand if he was accusing him of using the highly offensive phrase.

And the man at the centre of the storm, Anton, has revealed he won't be backing down either.

Allegation: Terry is accused of a racist slur against Ferdinand 

The QPR man said: 'I didn’t know racism still existed in football until last weekend. I thought we were past all that here. I had no idea it had happened until I left the ground. It was pretty shocking. It’s crazy, I can’t believe it.'

Ferdinand added in the People: 'I don’t need to say anything, it’s all on YouTube, everyone can see what he said. What do you think he said? Look, it’s with the FA now.'

Rio has told friends that he believes the onus is on the Football Association to establish, once and for all, whether Terry is guilty of using racist language or not.

And Ferdinand's manager at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson, has added his weight to the affair by calling on the FA to show 'responsibility' in dealing with players found guilty of making racist comments and backing his vice-captain, Patrice Evra, in his own race-related dispute with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

Ferguson said: 'I can't believe this is an issue in 2011 given the number of black players who have played in our game over the last 25 years. At our club, we have had fantastic [black] players with great personalities and I have been very lucky to have them.'

Centre of attention: Ferguson has lent his support to Evra (centre) 

Ferguson's comments came as a well-known member of the black footballing community, former Arsenal player Paul Davis, claimed that United and QPR were not giving as much support to Evra and Ferdinand as Liverpool and Chelsea were giving to Suarez and Terry.

Davis, now a respected coach with the players' union, said: 'It is double standards and might prevent other black players from speaking out.'

Ferguson chose to break his silence on Evra's claim that Suarez racially abused him despite the club's wish not to comment until an FA investigation is complete.

In the spotlight: Terry's actions are being investigated by the FA 

Anton Ferdinand is understood to have discussed the Terry affair with his older brother, other family members and his club.

The 26-year-old has told them that he was not aware of Terry using abusive language during the game itself, which is said to explain why, when the Chelsea captain spoke to him in the dressing room after the match last Sunday, there was no apparent problem between the two men.

However, after later seeing video footage of the game and hearing that Terry had effectively admitted using the offensive phrase in some capacity, Ferdinand and QPR considered whether to take further action.

On his knees: Terry scored against Arsenal but could do nothing to prevent the 5-3 defeat to Arsenal 

The club and their advisers spent Tuesday locked in talks on the affair and later made a formal request to the FA for an investigation.

On Friday, staff from the FA's governance and regulation department visited Chelsea's training ground in Cobham, Surrey, and questioned Terry about the allegation.

Ferdinand, expected to be in QPR's team to face Tottenham at White Hart lane today, said: 'The last few days have been crazy, but I'm looking forward to Sunday's game and fully focused on football.

'Anyone who knows me will know that whatever's going on, football's always going to be my No 1 priority.'

Terry scored once yesterday but could not prevent Chelsea losing 5-3 at home to Arsenal.

Everton 0 Manchester United 1: Panic over as Ferguson shuts up shop

Crisis, what crisis? Sir Alex Ferguson changed half the Manchester United team shamed 6-1 last Sunday and the response was a dogged clean sheet and victory to send out an important message to noisy neighbours Manchester City.

You would never have guessed by the absence of emotion on Ferguson's face when Javier Hernandez volleyed what proved to be the winner but this was a crucial victory for the champions.

On the mark: Javier Hernandez strikes in the first half at Goodison Park

The way Manchester City took them apart at Old Trafford was a humiliation never previously suffered in his 25 years at the club. The response was to go back to basics, with a twist.

Rio Ferdinand, Nani and Anderson were axed and captain Nemanja Vidic returned for his first Premier League game since August. But most significantly of all, Rooney - the goal machine seemingly destined to become the record goalscorer for United and England - was deployed deep in midfield to make his team harder to break down.

'The fact is we have conceded so many chances recently and we have to reduce that if we are going to win the [Premier] League,' said Ferguson. 'And today we didn't have any problems.'

The plan worked well. Rooney's role, so deep he was often standing behind Tom Cleverley, meant United lacked their usual thrilling intent in attack. But having shipped so many goals recently, they were delighted to reduce Everton to half-chances, except for a Leighton Baines freekick that hit the crossbar.

'Resolute', was the description of United's performance by beaten manager David Moyes, while Ferguson reiterated his view that last weekend's setback was never going to be terminal.

Pointing the way: Hernandez celebrates his goal with Darren Fletcher

Race for the ball: Ji-Sung Park (left) and Johnny Heitinga battle it out

'What you see in the League at the moment may not be the same come May,' he said. 'We hope and expect to be up there at the end of the season, there is no question of that.'

There is no doubt that the fact Everton were missing the injured Phil Neville, Sylvain Distin and Tim Cahill, with Royston Drenthe suspended, helped United.

No way through: Leon Osman tries to get past United defender Nemanja Vidic

Ferguson's team selection suggested adventure with Hernandez, Danny Welbeck and Rooney named in the same starting line-up for the first time. The reality was different and the performance was determined rather than dazzling.

Hernandez operated as a lone striker, Rooney played nearer the centre circle than the penalty area, as if auditioning for the Paul Scholes role long-term.

Diving for cover: Phil Jagielka clears the danger from Danny Welbeck

'It surprised us to see him there, and we were outnumbered in midfield to begin with,' admitted Moyes. Ironically, it was one of Rooney's rare sorties into the Everton penalty area that helped produce the goal. Smart touches by Cleverley and Welbeck released the excellent Patrice Evra down the left and he struck a beautifully shaped cross into the penalty area.

Rooney ran to the near post and he failed to connect with his head but his distracting presence allowed Hernandez to find a yard of space inside the six-yard box. It was all the Mexican needed and his volley gave Tim Howard no hope.

Stop him! Park and Hernandez attempt to halt Leighton Baines

Watching on: Sir Alex Ferguson (left) and David Moyes keep track of the action

Guess who? Is that you, Wayne?

Instead of folding, Everton pressed and the champions dug in. Hernandez bravely broke from the wall to take the impact of a fierce Louis Saha free-kick. Jack Rodwell shot wide and, after Darren Fletcher sent Marouane Fellaini tumbling, Baines curled a free-kick against the crossbar with David de Gea rooted to the spot.

Everton tried to apply more pressure in the second half and a flying De Gea made an unorthodox save from Rodwell with his face. There was a late panic in the United penalty area when Evra and Phil Jones got in each other's way, but Rodwell was off-target. In attack, United created little. When Cleverley released Hernandez in the second half, the Mexican looked around for support - only to see Rooney sticking to his post near the centre circle.

'We rode our luck with the freekick that hit the bar. But we battled in the second half and got the result we wanted,' said Ferguson. Next weekend, Ferguson will celebrate his silver jubilee at United and a 75-foot banner will be unfurled at the Stretford End proclaiming: 'The impossible dream, made possible'.

Winning a 20th title may indeed be possible for United. But it might not be pretty to watch.

Ferdinand is left to sweat on bleak future as Vidic takes all the plaudits

Rio Ferdinand was dumped on to the bench by Sir Alex Ferguson at Everton, the most high-profile casualty of United's 6-1 humiliation by Manchester City.

Ferdinand's future, for England and United, looks bleak, with Fabio Capello set to announce his squad next week for the friendlies against Spain and Sweden. And Ferguson went out of his way to praise Nemanja Vidic.

Not wanted: Ferdinand on the bench

Ferguson axed Michael Carrick and Anderson from his 18 and also demoted Nani to the bench. At least Ferdinand put on a brave face when he tweeted after United's 1-0 win at Goodison: 'Great result today. Bouncing back is the way to go.'

But can he bounce back? Jonny Evans, sent off against City, was preferred as partner to Vidic after serving his one-match ban in the midweek Carling Cup tie at Aldershot. Capello has said he will not pick players who are not in their club sides.

Ferguson said his attitude to the City defeat was 'to completely forget it it never happened'.

He was clearly relieved to get his team back on track, however. 'In the second half we defended well and that was the pleasing aspect for me,' said the United boss.

'It was a fantastic performance by Vidic. Every ball that came into our box he got clear. That's his speciality. It was key for us.' 

Ferguson played Wayne Rooney in a midfield role and explained: 'There have been so many chances against us recently and, if we are going to win the League, we have to reduce those statistics.'

Man United defender Smalling ruled out for one month with broken foot

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has been ruled out for a month with a broken foot, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed.

The 21-year-old missed Saturday's Barclays Premier League win at Everton with the injury.

Crocked: Smalling will miss one month of action with a broken foot 

Smalling's lay-off means he will miss England's November friendlies against Spain and Sweden.

Ferguson told MUTV: 'Smalling has a small fracture on his foot. 'I think he'll be out for a month and it's unfortunate that one.'

Sidelined: Young is also expected to be out for a fortnight 

Ferguson also revealed that he expects winger Ashley Young to be sidelined for at least another fortnight with his toe injury. The former Aston Villa player was also ruled out of the 2-1 victory at Goodison Park.

'He should be okay': Cleverley limped off in the win 

Ferguson said: 'Ashley Young has a toe injury that is not going away so he could be out for a couple of weeks.'

Ferguson, however, was more upbeat about midfielder Tom Cleverley, who limped off during the second half on Merseyside with an ankle problem.

The 22-year-old only returned from a six-week lay-off with a foot injury in Tuesday's Carling Cup win at Aldershot.

Ferguson said: 'He's felt his ankle again. It's nothing serious, just tightness and tiredness. "It's his first real game back, although he played on Tuesday of course.

'He should be okay next week and it was an excellent performance from him in the first half.'

Exclusive: Don't kick out Rooney... says the Montenegro player on the end of THAT kick

The Montenegro player Wayne Rooney fouled to get himself sent off and banned for three matches has written to UEFA pleading for leniency should the Football Association now appeal.

Miodrag Dzudovic has teamed up with Russian daily sports newspaper Soviet Sport and sent a letter directly to UEFA president Michel Platini, citing the fact that Rooney apologised and arguing that he committed the foul in ‘desperation’ rather than ‘anger’.

In an impressive act of sportsmanship,Dzudovic insists Rooney does not deserve a three-match ban because he was ‘provoked by problems his family had to face a short time before the game’.  

Lashing out: Wayne Rooney kicks Montenegro's Miodrag Dzudovic

The FA will not decide whether to appeal against the suspension that rules out Rooney for the first three matches of next summer’s European Championships until they receive the written explanation from UEFA’s disciplinary body, which is expected to arrive next week.

But Dzudovic hopes his letter will have some influence on the situation should the FA try and get the ban reduced.

Signed by Dzudovic, the letter says: ‘Miodrag would like to underline that he didn’t notice any signs of aggression in Rooney’s actions. In his opinion the England national team player was driven by emotions and it was an act of desperation rather than anger.

Punished: Rooney was banned for three matches by UEFA

Red letter day: Dzudovic has written to UEFA pleading for leniency in Rooney's case

‘The most important detail we ask to take notice of is Wayne Rooney’s apology. He realised his fault and felt guilty. UEFA pay so much attention to ‘Fair Play’ principles but Wayne’s behaviour is the brightest example of fairness. It is a rare case when a player leaves the field blaming no one but himself after being sent off.

In our opinion Wayne Rooney shouldn’t be banned even for a single game. We hope to be heard in UEFA.’

Soviet Sport have received a response from UEFA, who said that, because the disciplinary committees are independent, the president cannot intervene, but the letter has been sent on.

Smalling to miss England's friendlies after breaking bone in foot

Chris Smalling will miss England's November friendlies against Spain and Sweden after the Manchester United defender was ruled out for three weeks on Friday with a cracked bone in his foot.

Smalling, 21, is believed to have suffered the injury in the Champions League tie against Otelul Galati and then aggravated it in the Manchester derby.

Ruled out: Chris Smalling (left) will miss International friendlies

Fergie: They'll always think of Wayne as a traitor... but he can handle it

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Wayne Rooney to keep a cool head on his return to Goodison Park today even though he will be 'treated like a traitor' by Everton fans.

The Manchester United boss kept Rooney out of last season's trip to his old club due to the abuse he receives, and admitted replacing the Croxteth-born striker in a 1-1 draw at Goodison three years ago because he was in danger of being sent off.

Take that: Rooney gestures to Everton fans at Goodison Park 

Rooney, who could even start in midfield today, is expected to face another torrent of abuse.

But Ferguson is confident the 25-year-old will take it in his stride, despite the flash of anger that brought him a red card for England in Macedonia.

'You know what fans are like,' said Ferguson. 'He's a traitor as far as they're concerned, and he's never going to change that. I don't think people thrive on abuse but you can cope with it.

'He's well used to that, it's not a problem. He's had mixed success going to Everton, and scored a couple of goals there in previous games.

'But he got booked in one game and I took him off because there was no way I was going to give the referee an opportunity to send him off. With the hype around the ground, he's going to be booed every time he makes a challenge.'

Back to haunt Toffees: Rooney celebrates scoring against Everton in 2007

Ferguson has promised a response to Sunday's stunning 6-1 Manchester derby defeat at Old Trafford, but admitted that he is determined to wipe the bitter memory from his mind.

He said: 'We can analyse last week's game as much as we want but it's not going to do us any good. My attitude is to completely forget it. It never happened. It's not going to do us any good going back on that game.

'It's been a tough week for everyone. Now we can show Manchester United in our proper light, and we didn't do that last week.

'We have the experiences of being able to recover many times. We lost 5-0 to Newcastle in 1996 and won the League by seven points.'

Ferguson hoping Rooney can spearhead United revival

Sir Alex Ferguson is banking on Wayne Rooney brushing off the usual hostile treatment from Everton fans on Saturday as Manchester United look to put the shock of their 6-1 defeat by Manchester City behind them.

Rooney has been vilified by the fans of his former club and in one previous Goodison Park match Ferguson admitted he had to substitute the England striker for fear the crowd would get him sent off.

New test: Rooney looks to inspire United against his old club

Ferguson needs Rooney on top form if United are to show once again that they can suffer heavy defeats and still bounce back.

The United manager said: 'He's had mixed success going to Everton. He's scored a couple of goals in previous games and gets booed as normal.

'He got booked in one game and I took him off because he'd been booked and there was no way I was going to give the referee an opportunity to send him off.

'That's where the hype around the ground in terms of him getting booed every time he makes a challenge comes into it. He's had mixed fortunes there but he's scored a couple of goals and done well in some of the games and hopefully that will be the case tomorrow.'

Mixed fortunes: Rooney hasn't scored too often against his former club

United have shown in the past that one heavy defeat need not be the end of their title campaign - they famously lost 5-0 to Newcastle in 1996 but ended up cruising to the title - but Ferguson admitted the club has been suffering from the drubbing by City at Old Trafford last Sunday.

He added: 'It's been a tough week for everyone. It was bad result but we have to get over it - the fans, players, employees, staff - everyone was involved in the disappointment. We must kick on. We enjoyed Tuesday night [at Aldershot] but we need to show ourselves tomorrow.

Welcome relief: Ferguson pleased with the response at Aldershot in midweek

'We hope we can recover from the disappointment of last weekend. We've done that well over the years and we have to do it again.

'Nothing changes in football. The challenge is always there to be the very, very best which we hope we can do now.'

Ferguson went to watch Everton play Chelsea in the Carling Cup in midweek and is expected the usual robust encounter at Goodison.

Admission: Ferguson substituted Rooney shortly after Alan Wiley booked the United striker

'It's not going to be an easy game,' he said. 'I went to see that game on Wednesday and in typical fashion of a David Moyes team they were all committed. They put a shift in.

'He's had a few injuries and he rested a few players which is the norm in the cup, but they still represented their club very well. We know it'll be a tough game. That's what our focus is on.'

Former United player Louis Saha has shown signs recently of rediscovering his form but Ferguson hopes that does not come to the fore on Saturday.

'I hope he's hopeless!' he joked. 'We know what Louis is capable of, he has fantastic qualities.

'He did okay the other night when he had a difficult job playing up front on his own, but he's very capable we know that. It's our job to make sure we do our best.'

Ashley Young is a doubt for United with a toe injury and the England winger will be assessed before the match.

Injury doubt: Ashley Young (right) facing fitness fight

Nemanja Vidic and Tom Cleverley are both in contention after playing against Aldershot in the Carling Cup, while Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen will be hoping their midweek displays might earn them a starting position.

The United manager insists that he will consider all those who played in the Carling Cup.

He added: 'I keep hearing this about players who are not picked, but they're always on my mind. They're good footballers.

'We had a lot of good performances on Tuesday and it was very professional. They're always in my thoughts in terms of picking the team.

'When you're picking from 25 players it is difficult because you know you're leaving good players out. But in terms of the long view and how the long season is and the number of games we've got I'm satisfied that all the players will contribute.'

Everton v MANCHESTER UNITED: Young an injury concern ahead of Toffees trip

Ashley Young is a doubt for Manchester United at Everton on Saturday with a toe injury.

The England winger will be assessed before the match at Goodison Park but Nemanja Vidic and Tom Cleverley are both in contention after playing against Aldershot in the Carling Cup in midweek.

Late fitness test: Ashley Young could miss out at Everton

Rafael is back in training after an operation on a shoulder injury but needs some reserve games under his belt before he is considered for the first team again.

Provisional squad: De Gea, Lindegaard, Amos, Smalling, Fabio, Evans, Ferdinand, Vidic, Jones, Cleverley, Evra, Valencia, Nani, Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher, Giggs, Park, Young, Berbatov, Diouf, Hernandez, Owen, Rooney, Welbeck.

Young faces fitness test ahead of United's trip to Everton after picking up toe injury

Manchester United winger Ashley Young has picked up a toe injury ahead of the champions' trip to Everton on Saturday.

The England international will be assessed before the match at Goodison Park but could be replaced by Tom Cleverley who returned from injury in midweek.

United, who were stunned 6-1 by leaders Manchester City last weekend , travel to Goodison Park looking to put the demolition derby behind them, although they did return to winning ways on Tuesday at League Two side Aldershot.

Doubt: Ashley Young (left) faces a race against time to be fit for Saturday

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: 'Ashley Young has got a toe injury. It's nothing serious. Hopefully we have a strong enough squad for tomorrow.'

'It has been a tough week for everyone, it was a bad result, we have to get over that,' Ferguson said of the City defeat.     

United striker Wayne Rooney faces his former club and the one he supported as a youngster and Ferguson expects him to get his usual reception from the home crowd.    

'Every time he makes a challenge he's going to be booed,' he added.   

Back in action: Tom Cleverley could make his Premier League return

Second-placed United, who have 20 points from nine games, trail City by five points and are one point ahead of third-placed Chelsea and fourth-placed Newcastle United who both have 19.    

'It's never is an easy game at Everton,' Ferguson admitted.    

Everton were 3-1 down in this fixture last season going into injury time but scored twice to draw 3-3 and have not lost at home to United for the last three seasons.   

United plotting £40m move for Benfica's Gaitan as Ferguson steps up hunt for midfielder

Manchester United are preparing to launch a staggering £40million bid for Benfica star Nicolas Gaitan.

The midfielder shone against the Old Trafford club in the Champions League last month and was rewarded with a new five-year deal this week.

But the Portuguese giants were unable to increase his release clause beyond £40m, and United lead a host of clubs in the race for his signature.

Highly rated: Nicolas Gaitan (left) is a £40m target for Manchester United

United have had the playmaker scouted several times by the club's European team which is headed by Sir Alex Ferguson's brother, Martin.

Inter Milan and Paris St Germain are also interested in Gaitan who doubled his salary to £2m a year after penning his new contract.

Shining light: Gaitan (left) impressed against United in the Champions League

The Argentine began his career at Boca Juniors before joining Benfica for £8m in 2010. His club hope to hold on to him for at least another 18 months.

Many observers rate Gaitan better than Angel di Maria who left Benfica for Real Madrid in 2010 for £25m.

Search is on: Alex Ferguson remains keen on signing a midfielder

Although he has largely been deployed as a left-sided winger by Benfica in recent months,Gaitan has regularly played in an advanced role behind the attack, a position United have yet to fill following Paul Scholes’s retirement at the end of last season.

Ferguson has been chasing a midfielder for some time and could also reignite his interest in Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder who may be allowed to leave the San Siro to fund a move for Eden Hazard.

Another option: Wesley Sneijder (right) continues to be linked with United

United's scouting team have also been watching Athletic Blibao's Spain Under 21 midfielder Javi Martinez who would be expected to cost around £18m. Anderlecht’s Argentine midfielder Lucas Biglia is another reported target.

Sneijder's £30m Man United move reignited as Inter fund move for Lille's Hazard

Wesley Sneijder's move to Manchester United could be back on as Inter Milan prepare to offload the Holland international midfielder to make way for new recruits.

Sneijder came close to moving to Old Trafford in the summer, but Sir Alex Ferguson was warned off by the size of the figures involved in the deal.

United front: Sneijder's protracted move to Old Trafford could be back on

The Dutchman was targeted as a replacement for the exiting Paul Scholes, but the player’s £250,000-a-week wages proved prohibitive.

However, the Italian giants are hoping to cash in on Sneijder to fund a summer move for Lille's highly-rated Belgium international midfielder Eden Hazard.

Demolition derby: Fergie (below) could only watch on as City ran United ragged

Sneijder wouldn't be short of suitors in the summer with Man City and Chelsea - two clubs who could certainly afford the wages - also interested in the Holland international.

However, United's capitulation in the 6-1 drubbing to City could force Fergie's hand in an attempt to add some much-needed experience to the raft of youngsters who now populate the United squad.

Eden to Italy? Hazard is being tracked by Serie A giants Inter

How Goodison Park has become a danger zone for United

As Wayne Rooney was heading out for a muted birthday celebration last Sunday night in the wake of Manchester United's stunning derby defeat, Sir Alex Ferguson was putting on an equally brave face.

The United manager had arranged to take his staff out for a meal at a Cheshire hotel to kick off his 25th anniversary celebrations, but the mood could not have been more sombre. A crushing 6-1 defeat at home to Manchester City, his worst ever in management, just hours earlier had destroyed the party spirit.

Feb 20, 2010: Everton 3 United 1 - Jack Rodwell celebrates his late strike

'There will be a response to this,' Ferguson vowed, the fighter's instinct in him coming out. But as he sat in the Alderley Edge Hotel, he will have known what awaited - an away game to Everton; a fixture that in recent seasons has contained nothing of the required tonic.

Indeed, it is just over 11 months since Ferguson kept Rooney out of the visit to his former club to spare him abuse at the height of sex allegations against him, then saw Everton rescue themselves from a near impossible position, coming from two goals down in injury time to draw 3-3.

'It wouldn't matter if we had Dixie Dean playing for us, it's always a bloody nightmare going there,' said Ferguson. 'We're not going to subject him to the abuse he gets.' 

Goodison Park is one of the few arenas that is still capable of getting under United's skin. The broiling atmosphere generated inside one of English football's last bastions is as inspirational for the home team as it is intimidating for visitors.

Such is the intensity and fervour that is generated for the arrival of the champions, seasoned professionals have lost their heads in the cacophony. Ask Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, who were both sent off there when defeat in April 2005 effectively ended United's title challenge.

Nigel Martyn, Everton's goalkeeper that night, said: 'There is no question it intimidates. The intensity is unrelenting from the first to last minute. You know they are as behind you as much as they are against the opposition and they inspire you to do things you wouldn't do normally.

'The noise makes you want to sprint those extra five yards and there's no doubt it gets under the skin of visiting teams.'

Goodison, certainly from an aesthetic point of view, has seen better days but it comes alive for the big games. The towering Main Stand, the proximity of a baying Gwladys Street and the partisan Park End make it unwelcoming for visitors.

For the past three seasons, Ferguson has seen United fail to win and each game in that spell has been memorable for the role Evertonians have played in helping knock Ferguson's men out of their stride and lift David Moyes's squad.

Oct 25, 2008: Everton 1 United 1 - Marouane Fellaini heads home an unexpected equaliser

Ferguson must now decide how best to react to Sunday's defeat, which left City with a five-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League. The question now is: who gets another chance and who gets the chop? 

The United manager's hopes of rebounding from the derby mauling suffered a setback yesterday when England winger Ashley Young was almost certainly ruled out of tomorrow's game with a toe injury.

Young has been one of United's best players since signing from Aston Villa for £16million in the summer, and his absence hands Ferguson another selection dilemma.

Sept 11, 2010: Everton 3 United 3 - Mikel Arteta celebrates dramatic equaliser

Sportsmail examines the options available as United head to Merseyside for the second time in two weeks looking for that 'response'.

GOALKEEPER  

'After the City game I went home and took the decision to draw a line under it as quickly as possible,' said David de Gea, but there is an argument for resting the young Spaniard after he was beaten six times by City.

The problem is that it might be perceived as blaming De Gea for the debacle when, in truth, he was let down by his defence.

Second-guessing Ferguson is never advisable, but was there something in the manager's decision to leave Anders Lindegaard out of the squad for Tuesday's Carling Cup win at Aldershot where Ben Amos started and De Gea sat on the bench? 

Lindegaard has been a safe pair of hands every time he has played. De Gea has done little wrong. It's an intriguing choice.

Recall: Nemanja Vidic

DEFENCE 

Jonny Evans is suspended following his sending-off at Old Trafford but it has probably saved Ferguson from having to axe the Northern Ireland centre back.

Nemanja Vidic is expected to return for his first Premier League game since the opening day of the season after Ferguson appeared to make an example of his captain for playing for Serbia while still recovering from a calf injury, and then getting himself sent off against Otelul Galati.

Left out of the derby, Vidic then led United out at Aldershot, but Ferguson knows he needs the combative Serb now more than ever.

Whether forgiveness will be equally forthcoming for Rio Ferdinand is another matter. United's most experienced player in the derby was criticised by Ferguson for not instructing his team to shut up shop when the score reached 3-1 against City and spare themselves even more humiliation.

Ferguson may resist the temptation to restore his trusted central defensive partnership by asking Phil Jones to play alongside Vidic. A lack of options at left back means Patrice Evra is likely to continue, even though United were torn apart down that flank by City. Chris Smalling's height is considered vital in countering Everton's set-pieces so he is likely to carry on at right back.

Below par: Nani

MIDFIELD 

United were over-run in the derby and it would be a surprise if they did not start with a five-man midfield to match David Moyes's favoured formation.

The return to fitness of Tom Cleverley is a timely boost for Ferguson. United have not had the same fluency since the England Under 21 midfielder was injured at Bolton seven weeks ago.

Cleverley played for an hour at Aldershot and is in contention to return, in all probability alongside Darren Fletcher. Ferguson has a decision to make about Nani and Anderson in what is certain to be a physical game at Goodison. 

Both were below par against City and impressive performances by Antonio Valencia and Park Ji-sung in midweek, albeit against a League Two team, give him options in those areas.

There is now a question mark  over the left side of midfield. Young would have been almost certain to play before suffering the toe injury on his right foot, but he was having scans to determine the extent of his injury.

ATTACK

It would be astonishing if, in the circumstances, Ferguson chose not to start with Rooney this time after leaving him at home last season.

The England striker is an obvious candidate should United go with only one attacker. One less likely option is that Rooney could drop into midfield with either Dimitar Berbatov or Danny Welbeck occupying the lone role in attack.

But one thing is certain, this is a game where the United manager needs Rooney to do what he does best: to feed off the febrile atmosphere at Goodison and deliver a performance that will help heal the painful wounds of last Sunday.

West Bromwich on alert as United slash Kuszczak's £4m asking price

Manchester United will clear the way for outcast Tomasz Kuszczak to leave the club by slashing the goalkeeper's £4m price tag.

Kuszczak’s career at Old Trafford is over after slipping down the ranks to fourth-choice stopper behind David de Gea, Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos.

The Poland international hasn’t featured for United since last season, in the 1-1 draw at Blackburn on May 14.

Fourth choice: Kuszczak's time at Old Trafford looks to be over

West Ham United were interested but plumped for Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia as cover for the injured Rob Green, while the Pole's most likely destination would be West Bromwich.

Kuszczak, 29, moved to United for £2m in July 2007 from the Baggies who he joined from Hertah Berlin in July 2004 but has made just 61 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson in five years at Old Trafford.

United interest flatters Krasic but Serb star denies he wants out of Juventus

Juventus forward Milos Krasic has welcomed attention from Manchester United but confirmed that he isn't making any plans to quit Italy yet.

The Serbian has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, as well as to German champions Borussia Dortmund and Spanish outfit Sevilla.

And having seen himself drop out of the Old Lady's matchday squad in recent weeks, speculation is rife that the 26-year-old could force an exit.

Fall from grace: Milos Krasic is out of favour at Juventus and has been linked with a move

However despite the rumours, a flattered Krasic admitted he was prepared to fight for his place in Antonio Conte's high-flying side.

'All the transfer rumours are just nonsense and I don’t want to waste any time on that,' he said. 'Both mentioned clubs, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund are big clubs and bring great honour, but neither I, nor my manager, are aware of anything of it.'

Fighting for his place: Krasic wants to stay

'But, even if there is some truth in it, that wouldn’t change a thing, as all my plans are connected to Juventus.'

Krasic was dropped completely for Juve's weekend outing with Fiorentina having seen his form drop markedly since the start of the campaign. He hopes, though, that this will not become a regular thing.

'At the moment, everything is okay, only if this situation repeats weekend after weekend, should I be worried,' he added in Sport. 'Juventus is a big club with variations on every position in the team, so whoever doesn’t understand that, is destined for a personal defeat.

'I accept Conte’s decision as something normal, he wants to rotate players, I am not in some form at the moment, but I am sure in near future I will be given the opportunity to grab the chance again.'

Krasic's agent Vlado Borozan was also unconcerned by the rumours, saying: 'I would rather not comment the market rumours. Every week there are stories that Krasic is going to leave Turin and what he needs in this moment is just a little peace.

'Conte made a tactical decision with leaving him in the stands for Fiorentina match. What we can do in the moment is just to sit and wait to see how this situation will develop.'

Roma to launch sensational loan swoop for Manchester duo Tevez and Ferdinand

Italian side Roma have emerged as the shock candidates to take Man City rebel Carlos Tevez on loan... and they want Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, too.

The Serie A giants to expected to launch sensational loan bids for the Manchester-based pair in January, as they look to kick-start a stuttering campaign under new manager Luis Enrique.

The American-backed club from the capital are currently seventh in the league and failed to get past Europa League qualification, despite heavy investment in the summer.

Tough times: Carlos Tevez and Rio Ferdinand are wanted on loan by Roma

And now they hope their ambitious project will be enough to lure two of the Premier League's biggest names to Italy.

Ferdinand is believed to be the most likely to make the switch, and reports in Italy suggest that England general manager Franco Baldini, who has an executive role within the Giallorossi, will use his relationship with the Manchester United defender to engineer a move.

The former Three Lions captain has seen his stock plummet this season as a result of a series of injuries, and he was left out of Fabio Capello's most recent England squad.

Ferdinand has also seen his club place threatened by upcoming youngsters Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

Investment: Italian side Roma are owned by a wealthy American businessman

Barca-Roma: Luis Enrique has been charged with revitalising the club

Tevez, meanwhile, is all but out of the Manchester City door having been forced to train on his own since last month following an incident at Bayern Munich in the Champions League where he was accused of refusing to come on as a substitute.

He was recently fined four-weeks wages as a result and has been trying to force a move back to South America, where Corinthians lead the race for his signature despite recently admitting they were only prepared to offer £16million.

It is believed that Tevez, who earns around £250,000-a-week at the Ethiad Stadium, would consider a switch to Italy as the culture and climate are a more familiar surroundings for his young family.