Sir Alex Ferguson wants to rest Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he wants to 'utilise his squad' if he can achieve qualification to the Champions League knockout stages with a win against Braga.

United have suffered several injuries in the centre of their defence which has left Rio Ferdinand as one of only two fit first-team defenders, and Ferguson believes that ensuring qualification would enable him to rest the 33-year-old.

Ferguson said: "The game in Braga will give me a chance to utilise my squad. I'll be making some changes.

"If we can get the win it's better, but we want to make sure we qualify first. If we do, it gives me options to utilise Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

"Then we can make sure that Ferdinand is fresh for all these games. I won't have to worry about playing him Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday."

Ferdinand has made nine appearances for Manchester United this season.