Sir Alex keeps Stoke guessing

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is likely to shift between playing with wingers and adopting a diamond formation.

Operating without wide men allows Wayne Rooney to drop deeper with fellow strikers Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck also selected in the same line-up for United's 3-0 success at Newcastle last time out.

As the manager is keen to stress his squad's strength is in attack, it means he can play more of his out-and-out forwards but Ashley Young's return to fitness means he, Nani and Antonio Valencia also offer outstanding options on the flanks.

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis will be kept guessing as to the Reds' tactical intentions for Saturday's clash at Old Trafford.

"It is going to be difficult picking teams," confessed Sir Alex. "Sometimes I think the diamond formation can work. Other times, we need width.

"I am flexible. There are benefits both ways. It is unusual for us to play without wingers. Both Newcastle games and in Cluj it definitely worked very well. It gave our opponents a lot of problems. Obviously teams will work it out now.

"Tony Pulis will be wondering what I am going to do, whether I am going to play with wide players or a diamond. I might play wide players and a diamond and play with two defenders!"

Stoke will pose problems of their own with their awkward style and direct tactics, but Sir Alex is confident his team can handle the threat.