Report: Chris Smalling replaces Rio Ferdinand for Manchester United

David Moyes has reportedly decided to drop Rio Ferdinand for Manchester United's second-leg quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich this evening.

Veteran defender Ferdinand started during last week's opening leg at Old Trafford and was widely praised for the performance that he put in alongside Nemanja Vidic.

However, Moyes has taken the decision to partner Chris Smalling with captain Vidic tonight, according to The Mirror.

England international Smalling has only just returned to the United fold, having spent the previous four weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring complaint.

Elsewhere, the report added that Patrice Evra will be preferred to Alexander Buttner at left-back, while Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher could come in to form a three-man midfield with Michael Carrick.