Struggling club Manchester United faces Gareth Southgates’ Middlesbrough at Old Trafford tonight in the Carling Cup final, a competition in which the Reds have failed to reach the quarterfinals during the past couple of years.

Ferguson will certainly rest his big players and give the chance to youngsters. However, Ronaldo is very much likely to get his first start this season. The superstar’s presence will probably give some hope to the rest of Manchester United’s second choice team.

The Red Champions are eying for nothing else than a win which would boost their confidence ahead of Saturday’s league game against Bolton, and things are not going to be that easy. Middlesbrough will go into the match with the aim of beating Ferguson’s Man United for good after controversially crushing out of the FA Cup two years ago.

Ronaldo has the habit of making great contributions for his side whenever they clash against Middlesbrough and this time around, this is all what Fergie will need.

Written by: Angela Asante