Teen duo eye Boro chance

With Sir Alex Ferguson looking to shuffle his pack for Saturday’s lunch-time trip to Middlesbrough, two of United's most promising young talents will hope to get their chance to shine.

It's not so much been glimpses of promise from Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda as headline-grabbing heroics. Macheda hit the back pages with recent match-winners against Aston Villa and Sunderland, while Welbeck hit a goal-of-the-season contender on his league bow against Stoke, adding two more in the FA Cup.

Both could be in contention for the crucial league match against Middlesbrough this weekend, as Sir Alex looks to rest players ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final, second leg against Arsenal.

“They’ve both been fantastic,” says the boss of Macheda and Welbeck, who have been the discoveries of the season. “I’m trying to keep them happy and feeling wanted as first-team players, which is what they are now.

“I think they have the quality and physical strength to do it, but it's not easy because when it comes to big games, players start to get fit again. Big games bring out the best of people in terms of not being injured, believe me!”

Welbeck, 18, and Macheda, 17, didn’t make the bench for Arsenal match on Wednesday, but they could play a vital role on Teesside, either from the start or as a substitute.

“It’s been very difficult with seven substitutes, and everyone available, and I've tried to use one or the other as one of my options. We were delighted with their performances at Wembley against Everton,” added Sir Alex. “They have both done really well and they could be involved on Saturday.”