Sir Alex Ferguson expects Juan Sebastian Veron to be fit toface Real Madrid in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final clash.

The Argentinian midfielder has not played since March 5, but has been undergoing intensive treatment and is expected to replace the suspended Paul Scholes.

Like Scholes, United full-back Gary Neville is also banned, while fellow defender John O’Shea is rated doubtful with a knee injury.

Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, who was forced off at half-time during United’s Premier League encounter with Blackburn on Saturday, is rated doubtful with a thigh injury.

Better news for Sir Alex Ferguson comes in the form of Nicky Butt, who is expected to be fit to face the holders after recovering from a minor knock.