Fabio set for fitness tour to check on stars ahead of Euro 2012 decider

Fabio Capello will check on Steven Gerrard and assess the fitness of Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand before naming his squad for the European Championship tie in Montenegro next Friday.

All three are in Capello’s provisional squad, but he wants to be sure they are back to full fitness before including them in his plans for England’s final group game.

Around the grouds: Fabio Capello is set to check on his top stars before naming his squad

He will attend the Merseyside derby on Saturday to check on Gerrard, who has not played for England since November because of a groin problem. The Liverpool captain is expected to start on the bench at Goodison Park.

Fitness race: Both Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney will hope to be fit

Capello will then watch Tottenham’s derby against Arsenal on Sunday and send Franco Baldini to check on Ferdinand and Rooney in Manchester United’s home game against Norwich.

There's plenty more to come from me, says Man United's local lad Welbeck

Danny Welbeck is determined to repay Sir Alex Ferguson's faith in him and become the latest local lad to make good in a Manchester United shirt.

The 20-year-old was picked by Ferguson to lead the line against Basle in the Champions League - ahead of the club's record signing Dimitar Berbatov - and responded with two goals in an 80-second spell.

Welbeck's display was one of the few positives for Ferguson in the 3-3 draw which highlighted some defensive frailty for United, and the England striker is desperate for more opportunities to prove his worth.

Local lad: Danny Welbeck is making waves at Man United this season

Welbeck said: 'The manager shows time and time again he will give local players a chance and it is then up to the individual to take it. I hope I can.

'I don't know whether it is harder for local boys up front to make it. I can only look at myself and take my opportunities when they come.

'To score those two goals was a bittersweet moment for me. To get two Champions League goals, I am buzzing about that, but we didn't get the win we should have done.

'Buzzing': Welbeck has made a fine start to the season

'I hope I have done enough to play against Norwich. We have some great strikers at the club and whoever is in there will give it 100 per cent. I just hope I get my chances.'

Welbeck had a successful season on loan at Sunderland last year but believes he is still developing.

'I think I'm a better person than a year ago because I went to Sunderland and got more minutes in the Premier League,' he added.

'It was really good for my career and I'm just really pleased at the moment. Naturally I've been growing, I'm still only 20 years old, I'm 21 in a couple of months so I'm just naturally developing into a man.'

Basle draw makes United's progression to the next stage far from an easy ride

When the draw for the Champions League group stages was made in Monaco last month, Manchester United’s customary progress to the knockout phase seemed all but guaranteed.

Benfica’s European pedigree could not be questioned, but in Swiss club Basle and little-known Romanian side Otelul Galati, United appeared to have been offered a relatively safe passage through Group C.

Two games in, and the picture has changed somewhat.

The face says it all: Michael Carrick looks dejected after Basle take the lead

While Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to panic after Tuesday’s 3-3 draw against Basle at Old Trafford left his side with just two points, he cannot ignore United’s worst start to a European campaign since he won the Champions League for the first time in 1999 after two draws.

United need maximum points from a double header against Otelul to return to the position they would expect to be in after four games. At best, they have made life difficult for themselves.

Midfielder Michael Carrick said: ‘It’s not the end of the world but it’s not ideal. We’ve given ourselves a lot of hard work but we’re capable of doing it. We were looking to win those two Galati games anyway.’

Relief in the end: Ashley Young celebrates his late leveller for Manchester United 

What will concern Ferguson most is the way his team were opened up by Basle, who recovered from going behind to two goals from Danny Welbeck to take a 3-2 lead before Ashley Young’s 90th-minute equaliser salvaged a point.

Welbeck said: ‘Throwing away a two-goal lead just isn’t like us. We made life hard for ourselves and you can’t afford to do that in the Champions League.

‘There was some carelessness creeping in so we need to  correct that. You could say it’s  a wake-up call.’

Fergie rues errors as United concede two goal lead and says: 'We just threw it away'

Sir Alex Ferguson made no attempt to gloss over his team’s defensive deficiencies and accused them of throwing points away.

‘It was a lack of concentration that killed us — downright carelessness,’ said the Manchester United manager.

‘We threw the game away. I warned the players at half-time that Basle had created two or three clear openings and needed finishing off, but it made no difference. Our defenders and midfielders have to do better than that.

Frustrated: Sir Alex Ferguson rued the costly errors

‘We were left grappling at the end to salvage a point, and losing a two-goal lead at home like that is a wake-up call.

'It is not a problem for us because of the quality we have in the forward positions guarantees us goals, and we really should have put that to bed in the first half.

'I thought there was a carelessness about us throughout the game. The attacking part was very good at times - we played some very good football, particularly in the first half.

Alexander Frei scores 3rd by penalty

'But there was a carelessness about us and really, they could have scored three goals in the first half.

'I suppose in many ways, it is 'welcome to European football' because they were very lax for parts of the game. It's a wake-up call in many ways.'

Ferguson admitted that complacency may have played a part, adding: ‘Too many players were playing far too far forward. They seemed to think they could do that against a side like Basle, even though they had been prepared properly.

We threw it away: Manchester United players look dejected

'There is still enough quality in the back positions - Evra and Ferdinand are very experienced. But you always like to have a back four playing consistently and we don't have that at the moment.

Ferguson was unhappy with Italian referee Paolo Tagliavento, saying: ‘It was a poor decision to award them a penalty, because (Antonio) Valencia won the ball. Not only that, the referee kept getting in the road.

‘Every time we passed the ball, he was in the way. I think he wanted to play.

Dispute: Ferguson claims Valencia won the ball as Frei scores the penalty

‘At least we showed great character to rescue a point, but our concentration levels have to be better.’

Ferguson said his defence still should have had enough experience to cope with Basle even with 19-year-old Phil Jones in central defence but admitted they are suffering from inconsistency.

'There is still enough quality in the back positions - Evra and Ferdinand are very experienced. But you always like to have a back four playing consistently and we don't have that at the moment.

Mixed feelings: Welbeck was pleased with his goals, but disappointed to draw 

'It is not a problem for us because of the quality we have in the forward positions guarantees us goals, and we really should have put that to bed tonight in the first half.

Ferguson did praise Welbeck's contribution, saying the 20-year-old 'did very well' in the first half but had tired in the second.

And Welbeck himself admitted it ‘felt like a defeat’, despite Ashley Young’s last-minute point-saver.

‘We should have put the game away,’ said Welbeck. ‘It’s just not like us. I’m over the moon with two goals, but it’s a team game and I’m disappointed with the result.’

Basle coach Thorsten Fink - who was a player for Bayern Munich when they were beaten by United in the 1999 Champions League final - said: 'It was a great result for us - I don't imagine many teams go two goals down here and then turn the game around. It was a great achievement.

'It was a great game for the fans, I think we were rather nervous in the first half but we settled down after the break and were able to take some chances.

'We deserved at least to draw and as a coach it feels good to come to a club like Manchester United and get such a result.

'The final in 1999 was more of a negative experience and I'm glad my team is able to celebrate.'

Manchester United 3 Basle 3: Ashley earns a point after Swiss make United sweat

It took a 90th-minute Ashley Young equaliser to rescue Manchester United after what began as a Champions League dream for Danny Welbeck so nearly turned into a nightmare for his side at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson could be forgiven for having sleepless nights about the way his team collapsed after Welbeck's first goals in Europe seemed to have put them in control of this Group C tie.

'I never look back, tomorrow's another day for me,' he had said in the build-up to this game, and maybe it's for the best.

Heads I win! Young heads United level in the 90th minute

How United found themselves moments away from losing at home in this competition for only the second time in 33 games only they will know, but they were grateful to Young for rescuing them on his Champions League debut.

A second successive draw leaves United precariously placed in what looked like a straightforward group. Two points from two games is poor by their standards, and they face a difficult trip to Romania to face Otelul Galati in December.

What will concern Ferguson most is that the warning signs were there long before Alexander Frei and namesake Fabian Frei struck three times in 18 second-half minutes.

It had all begun so well after his decision to start with Welbeck and leave Dimitar Berbatov on the bench. With Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez injured on the sidelines, this had been seen as Berbatov's big chance to prove he can still score in big games.

Instead, after a run of 20 Champions League appearances stretching back almost three years without a goal, he watched 20-year-old Welbeck score twice in 80 seconds.

Brace yourself: Welbeck bagged two goals inside 60 first-half seconds

It was a magnificent response from the young England striker and only served to highlight Berbatov's deficiencies on the European stage.

Welbeck's first goal in the competition was hardly a classic. Antonio Valencia slipped the ball to Fabio da Silva in the 16th minute and the Brazilian squared it to the edge of the six-yard box.

Ryan Giggs touched it back for Welbeck whose slightly scuffed effort took a deflection off Markus Steinhofer as it crept in.

Spot on: Frei gave Basle the lea as the Swiss side sensed an upset

Opportunity knocked again for Welbeck as Basle's defence switched off when Giggs floated to the edge of the penalty area. His angled ball into the middle found Welbeck in yards of space and this time his first-time finish was much more assured from eight yards out.

Basle had already wasted one clear chance through Fabian Frei when Alexander Frei somehow side-footed wide with only David de Gea to beat and Jacques Zoua scooped his effort off target from another promising position, leaving coach Thorsten Fink beating his seat in frustration.

Ferguson's hands were tied, however. Injuries to key defenders meant the bench was packed with forwards and his options were limited as United continued to rock unsteadily after the break.

Frayed nerves: United fans looked anxious until Young scored the late equaliser

De Gea stuck out a foot to turn Marco Streller's shot over the bar from point-black range but United's goalkeeper was beaten twice in as many minutes as the Freis made amends for earlier misses.

Fabian reduced the deficit in the 58th minute, firing in off the post from the edge of the area after De Gea had palmed away Streller's flick header from a corner.

And United were opened up again almost immediately as the goalscorer turned provider, breaking down the right and sending over a precise cross that evaded Rio Ferdinand and picked out Alexander Frei, who headed the ball back across goal and into the net.

Plenty to ponder: United displayed a number of defensive frailties which were exposed by Basle

If United thought that Basle would be happy to emulate the draw they picked up on their last visit to Old Trafford in 2003, they were mistaken.

The visitors continued to press and, when Phil Jones played Valencia into trouble rather than clearing his lines 14 minutes from time, the Ecuador winger lost possession to Streller then was judged to have fouled Basle's No 9 as he tried to win back the ball.

Ferguson did not think it was a penalty but Italian referee Paolo Tagliavento did, and Alexander Frei beat De Gea from the spot. Fink knows the script, though.

The Basle coach was a Bayern Munich player in 1999 when United staged that memorable comeback in the Champions League final, and it took until the 90th minute for Young to grab the equaliser, meeting Nani's deep cross with a downward header inside Yann Sommer's near post to add the final twist to a fantastic game.

Revealed! The soft side of Sir Alex, United boss has turned off the hairdryer

On the eve of a rather ordinary looking game at home to Basle, Sir Alex Ferguson gave an extraordinary glimpse into his life as Manchester United manager as he approaches a quarter of a century in charge at Old Trafford.

With United chasing a fourth Champions League Final appearance in the space of five years, Ferguson was asked to contrast the fiercely competitive nature that has kept him and the club at the top for so long with the softer side to his character that is often talked about but seldom seen.

In a rare moment of self-reflection, he said: 'It's my own make up. I like to see myself in all of my players and that is somewhat obsessive. I'm driven. I don't like losing.

Sensitive soul: Ferguson has revealed another side to his personality

'It's been instilled through the years. It becomes a normal situation when players come into the squad and say "I'd better be like the rest or I won't be here too long". It's driven by me, of course.

'When I started at 32, I made sure I wasn't going to fail in this job but I've mellowed. Maybe I've got a short fuse but it goes away quicker.

'I switch off quite quickly now. When I was younger, dealing with people away from the game was difficult. At Aberdeen, my assistant Archie Knox and I would find a corner of the pub but someone would come over and voice an opinion, which wouldn't go down well.

'Now I just go straight home and what's really important is the post-match drinks with visiting coaches. We never talk about the game because it's gone. You accept it. It's about dealing with people with the same problems as yourself, the same anxieties, the same feelings of losing.' 

Ferguson was asked about his reputation as a firebrand and the infamous hairdryer treatment, as well as comments from former United favourite David Beckham recently that the players live in fear of their manager.  

Up close: Fergie has switched off the hairdryer, but won't shirk confrontation

'I hope not,' replied Ferguson. 'There's a lot of myth attached to that. In training there's nothing but praise for every player. Nothing but positives.

'Where David and other people are coming from is how I react to defeat, which is not easy for me. I don't think I should change. I don't like people who change. I think you should stick by your nature. But after it's over it's over. I never go back. Tomorrow is another day for me.

'The hairdryer is part of the myth and the circus. It's completely exaggerated, like throwing the tea cups.

'But I'm a confrontational character and I don't like people arguing back to me. I think that's where the hairdryer treatment came from.'

Real guts: Fergie was impressed with Lonsdale's attitude

By contrast, Ferguson opened up about the other side of his nature - in particular the story of Max Lonsdale, a teenager rejected by League Two Macclesfield Town who turned up at the United manager's house in Cheshire with a DVD of his performances.

Ferguson invited him in, watched the tape and offered him a trial at Old Trafford. Although it did not work out, he is still trying to help the 18-year-old find a club in the lower divisions.

He added: 'I admire people with courage, particularly a young person with the guts to come to my door and tell me he wants a career in the game.

'Hopefully we can address his bravery and determination to succeed. Giving in is too easy for some people these days.'

Ferguson prepares to face Basle in United's second game in Group C at Old Trafford without injured strikers Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez.

United should be too strong for their Swiss opponents as they look to build on a draw in their opening game away to Benfica.

Basle may top the group after beating the Romanians of Otelul Galati, but they have never won on seven visits to England and are without midfielders Xherdan Shaqiri and Benjamin Huggel through suspension.

Business as usual: Fergie is showing no signs of slowing down after 25 years

Their coach Thorsten Fink knows only too well how hard it is to beat United.

He came on as an 80th-minute substitute for Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final with his team 1-0 ahead, only to see Ferguson's side snatch the trophy in that unforgettable finish.

'It's not a question of getting equal,' said Fink. 'Going back to 1999 it was a great memory, even in defeat. I think you always gain strength from defeat because everything that hurts helps you improve.

'I count United as one of the sides to win the competition, but we haven't come here to sit and watch, we have come here to play.'

Fink-ing about it: The Basle boss was part of the defeated Bayern side in '99

United star Berbatov alarmed after mother is part of 'cash or kidnap' plot in Bulgaria

Dimitar Berbatov has been rocked ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League clash against FC Basle after discovering a man was arrested by Bulgarian police for allegedly plotting to kidnap his mother.

The £30million Manchester United striker's 51-year-old mother Margarita received a callous email warning her she would be abducted unless a significant sum of money was handed over in exchange for her safety, according to a report in The Sun.

Concern: Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov is said to have discovered news that police had arrested a suspect threatening to kidnap his mother

Authorities in Blagoevgrad, the home town where the 30-year-old star was raised by his nurse mother who still lives there, swooped on 38-year-old suspect Petar Antonov after IT experts allegedly traced the email to his home computer.

Ordeal: Berbatov's mother Margarita, who is a nurse, was allegedly threatened via email

Police are now said to be investigating whether the threat was politically motivated with Berbatov's mother an activist for the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party.

It's not the first time Berbatov has been caught up in a kidnapping controversy in his homeland. In 2009, the former Tottenham star was warned over a plan to take him, his partner and young daughter while on a brief visit.

Alarm: Berbatov is set to start for Manchester United against Swiss champions FC Basle despite concerns

As a teenager playing for CSKA Sofia, Berbatov was seized by a local criminal Georgi Iliev who unsuccessfully demanded the striker to join his rival team Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

Berbatov, who retired from international football last year, is expected to start for Sir Alex Ferguson's side in place of injured Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez despite concerns over his mother.

National service: Former Bulgaria captain Berbatov quit international football last year

The United forward is not the first Barclays Premier League player to be affected by such an incident this season.

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel was relieved when kidknappers in Nigeria returned his father unscathed, earlier this season.

I don't need revenge against United for 1999, insists Basle's ex-Bayern boss Fink

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Thorsten Fink will have no thoughts of revenge when his Basle side face Manchester United in the Champions League.

The German came on as an 80th-minute Bayern substitute in the 1999 final with his team winning 1-0, only for United to strike back with two late goals to snatch their second European Cup triumph.

In fact, Fink has yet to be on the winning side against United as his other two meetings in 1999 and 2002 in the group stages have ended in draws.

Old foe: Basle coach Thorsten Fink (right) leads training at Old Trafford

But he has no thoughts of using their visit to Old Trafford to pay back United and boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

'It is not a question of getting equal,' said Fink, who is in his third season as Basle coach. 'I am glad to be here as a coach, it is not an everyday experience.

'Going back (to 1999) it was a great memory, even in defeat. I think you always gain strength from defeat because everything that hurts helps you improve.

Game for a laugh: United warm up at Carrington ahead of the Basle clash

'Of course, we did go to win the Champions League (in 2001) but at the time when the team lost that helped us stick together more because we were close to winning in 1999.'

And in a warning to his players he added: 'If you are not careful against a team like Manchester United you end up paying.'

Basle may currently be top of Group C after their 2-1 opening victory at home to Otelul Galati but their record in England is poor. They have never won in seven visits in all competitions and since drawing against both United and Liverpool on their Champions League debut in 2002 they have lost to Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Blackburn and Fulham.

Night to remember: Manchester United lift the Champions League in 1999

Devastated: Bayern Munich lost the incredible final in the Nou Camp

And United's current crop pose just as much of a threat.

'Manchester United have strengths offensively and I count them as one of the sides to win the competition,' added Fink. 'We have experience and young players but what we don't have is fear.

'We are a Champions League team, we know what we can do, we have confidence. We haven't come here to sit and watch, we have come here to play. We are looking to get something out of the game but we have to be tight at the back.'

Xherdan Shaqiri completes a two-game ban while fellow midfielder Benjamin Huggel is also suspended after his red card against Otelul. 

Berbatov's out to jump queue: Injuries give striker a chance

The untimely injuries to Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez may have left Manchester United a little short of firepower for Tuesday's clash with Basle at Old Trafford, but the problem could offer one man a much-needed chance to find favour with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Dimitar Berbatov’s recent record in Europe is nothing short of woeful. Although United’s record  £30.75million signing was the joint top goalscorer in the Barclays  Premier League last season, it is almost three years since he was on target in the Champions League.

You have to go all the way back to October 2008 — a total of 20 games — and Berbatov’s double against Celtic at Old Trafford for the last time he was on the scoresheet in this competition.

Supporting cast: Owen (left) and Berbatov during training

Indeed, a lack of big goals in big games led to Ferguson losing  confidence in the temperamental Bulgarian to such an extent that  Berbatov was left out of United’s squad altogether for the Champions League final against Barcelona in May — and then sat weeping in the Wembley dressing room.

Many expected the 30-year-old to move on in the summer after he was usurped as Rooney’s preferred strike partner by Hernandez. He was then placed under even greater threat when Danny Welbeck’s return from a loan spell at Sunderland left the  Premier League champions with a choice of six centre forwards.

Ferguson resisted overtures from Paris Saint-Germain but did not give Berbatov his first start of the season until last week’s Carling Cup tie at Leeds.

Missing: Both Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez are injured for United

It was hardly a ringing endorsement for the striker and, bizarrely, Berbatov ended a lack-lustre performance  playing at centre back for the final 10 minutes alongside Michael Carrick.

Another start at Stoke on Saturday, enforced by Rooney’s absence, brought another limp display followed by an early exit when he was replaced by Welbeck 20 minutes from time.

Indeed, Berbatov is not certain to retain a place in the line-up tonight, although his experience would be valuable even against such modest opponents as Basle.

Ferguson was notably reluctant to offer encouragement to the striker yesterday, effectively telling  Berbatov that he must wait in line along with Michael Owen, Mame Biram Diouf and Federico Macheda.

The young pretender: Danny Welbeck looks set to partner Berbatov upfront

‘I don’t have to reassure him,’ said the United boss. ‘He knows his place in the squad and that applies to many players like Mame Diouf, Macheda and Michael Owen. They’re not playing regularly, either.

‘We’ve had six games and the ones against Benfica and Leeds. It’s only early doors. There’s plenty of time. It’s an exhausting season unless you use your squad.

‘Yes of course he’s got a part to play. He’s one of our squad members and they’ve all got a part to play.’

Ferguson was not really in the mood to talk positively yesterday. Asked if this is a ‘golden period’ for United after reaching the Champions League Final in three of the last four years, he replied: ‘It’s not a golden period for us because we’ve lost two finals.’

Serious faces: Patrice Evra and Ashley Young prepare for the Basle game

However, he welcomed the news that neighbours Manchester City would be laying a wreath ahead of their Group A tie in Munich in memory of the 23 people who died in the Munich air disaster, including their former goalkeeper Frank Swift.

It is a timely tribute coming less than a week after Leeds fans caused controversy by aiming Munich taunts towards their rivals at Elland Road.

‘It’s refreshing,’ said Ferguson. ‘We appreciate that from Manchester City. Of course one of their former players was killed in the crash. It’s a sign the game’s not as bad as  sometimes we think.’

Even without Rooney and  Hernandez, United should be too strong for Basle as they look to build on a draw in their opening game away to Benfica.

The Swiss club may top Group C after beating the Romanians of Otelul Galati, but they have never won on seven visits to England and are without midfielders Xherdan Shaqiri and Benjamin Huggel through suspension.

Coach Thorsten Fink knows only too well how hard it is to beat United. He came on as an 80th-minute  substitute for Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final with his team 1-0 ahead, only to see  Ferguson’s side snatch the trophy in that unforgettable finish.

‘It’s not a question of getting equal,’ said Fink. ‘I’m glad to be here as a coach because it’s not an everyday experience.

‘Going back to 1999 it was a great memory, even in defeat. I think you always gain strength from defeat because everything that hurts helps you improve.

‘I count United as one of the sides to win the competition, but we haven’t come here to sit and watch.’

Young to make his Champions League debut as Sir Alex bemoans final disappointment

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to hand Ashley Young his Champions League debut on Tuesday night and the England winger admitted it would be the fulfillment of a dream.

United will resume their European campaign at home to Basle when they will be without leading strikers Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez due to injury.

But Young is preparing for one of the biggest nights of his football career and is hoping he can maintain his excellent Barclays Premier League form in Europe's elite competition.

Big moment: Young is readying himself for his Champions League debut

Young said: 'I'm very excited by it. Coming to a club like Manchester United and playing in these big competitions is any boy's dream.

'I'm looking forward to being able to say I have played in the Champions League.

'I have been delighted with the performances I have put in so far but the matches are coming thick and fast and you have to be on your toes and ready every time you pull on the shirt.'

But Sir Alex insists United cannot look back at the last four years as a golden period for the club in the Champions League - because they were beaten by Barcelona in two of the three finals they reached.

The record books may show the current spell to be United's most successful ever in Europe, but Ferguson insists they need to take that final step and win the Champions League trophy outright again in order to make such a claim.

Ferguson told a news conference at Old Trafford: 'The Champions League is the best competition in the world now, better than the World Cup, better than the European Championships, it's a fantastic tournament.

Fine form: Young has been putting in some starring performances for United

'But it's not a golden period for us because we have lost two finals, so I don't think it can be called a golden period.

'We have been consistent in the Champions League, our form away from home has been outstanding and we hope we can do better this year and win it, that's the aim of this club all the time.'

Ferguson confirmed that Rooney would miss tomorrow's match with a hamstring injury and said that it was difficult to know when the England striker would be back in action.

'He's not playing. It's difficult to assess with hamstrings but we hope we have him back quickly. He did a bit of jogging this morning but that's all,' said the United boss.

Ferguson also said that Hernandez's dead leg would keep him out against Basle but that the Mexican should be back for when Norwich visit on Saturday.

Wayne's world: Rooney is injured

Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov are likely to lead the attack against the Swiss club, though the fit-again Danny Welbeck could also feature - with Rio Ferdinand partnering Phil Jones in central defence.

Basle won their opening fixture in Group C 2-1 against Romanian side Otelul Galati and Ferguson said United would respect their opponents tomorrow.

He added: 'We played Basle a few years ago and they have always been the premier team in Switzerland. Switzerland have started to produce good young players - in fact they got to final of the European Under 21s this year.

'The national team has always been reasonably good and always seemed to represent themselves quite well and of course the Basle team have good experience of being in Europe quite a few times so we will respect that.'

Nemanja Vidic is also missing for United - Ferguson hopes he will have recovered from his calf injury by the time the international break is over - while Jonny Evans (ankle) and Chris Smalling (groin) are also missing.

Antonio Valencia is likely to again be pressed into service as an emergency right-back with Rafael's injury set to keep him out for the long-term.

Fergie faces dilemma with Rooney and Hernandez both set to miss Basel clash

Manchester United face a striker dilemma for Tuesday's Champions League encounter with Basel at Old Trafford with injured duo Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez to sit out.

The pair were notable absentees as United prepared for their upcoming Group C clash with defenders Nemanja Vidic (calf), Chris Smalling (groin) and Jonny Evans (ankle) also missing the training session at Carrington.

Training day: Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen look set to lead the line against Basel at Old Trafford

Mexican striker Hernandez was an early casualty in Saturday's 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw at Stoke when he was forced off following a collision with goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and defender Jonathan Woodgate.

Missing man: Javier Hernandez was carried off after three minutes against Stoke

Rooney, however, was missing altogether with a hamstring problem and manager Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to be able to call upon him before the international break next week making him a doubt for England's crunch Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on October 7.

Talking tactics: Sir Alex Ferguson speaks to assistant Mike Phelan and club legend Bryan Robson at the club's Carrington training complex

Ferguson confirmed on Monday that Rooney would miss the match with a hamstring injury and said that it was difficult to know when the England striker would be back in action.

Ferguson told a news conference at Old Trafford: 'He's not playing tomorrow. It's difficult to assess with hamstrings but we hope we have him back quickly. He did a bit of jogging this morning but that's all.'

Ferguson also said that Hernandez's dead leg would keep him out but that the Mexican should be back for the home match against Norwich on Saturday.

Injury doubt: in-form Wayne Rooney has a hamstring complaint and did not train on Monday morning

Dimitar Berbatov was selected alongside Hernandez for what was only the Bulgarian frontman's first start of the season.

Fresh from his Carling Cup heroics against Leeds last week, Michael Owen replaced Hernandez but will be competing with fit-again Danny Welbeck for a place in the starting XI.

First start: Dimitar Berbatov has failed to register a goal so far this season

Michael Carrick, who was not in squad for the visit to Stoke, returned to training and will hoping to find a way back into United's European plans.

On the ball: Darren Fletcher keeps possession as Rio Ferdinand and Park Ji-sung look on

Ferguson, who was joined by United legend Bryan Robson at the club's training ground on Tuesday, admitted he is keen to rotate his squad against the Swiss champions.

'Maybe I'll use some of them against Basel,' he told the club's official website.

In the frame: Owen is hoping to extend his recent stay in the first team with a run-out against the Swiss champions

'I do need to get all the squad moving. I think there will be changes on Tuesday.'

'Basel are a decent side though. Thorsten Fink [the manager] was a substitute in the final for Bayern Munich in 1999 when he came on for Lothar Matthaus. I spoke to him at the UEFA conference and he's done a good job.

'If you get to 10 points, you know you're into the next stage but we'd like to win the group anyway. If we win our next three games, we can utilise the squad. It would definitely help and we've done that over the years.

Fit again: Danny Welbeck, training with Ashley Young, has returned from a short lay-off and hoping to reclaim his starting berth in the side

Ferguson, however, is mindful of previous slip-ups in the competition after making wholesale changes but insisted whoever makes his starting team will be good enough to win the game.

'It's sometimes backfired,' he added. 'I played a fresh team over in Fenerbahce and they beat us 3-0.

Euro star: David de Gea trains ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash

'Although I want to make changes, I don't want an embarrassment. So changes have got to be made with a mind of still winning the game.'

Last season's finalists United drew their opening Champions league match with Benfica in Lisbon a fortnight ago, while Basle are group leaders after defeating Romanian side Otelul Galati in their first game.