Sir Alex Ferguson relishes Stoke challenge

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has said that he is relishing the prospect of the challenge Stoke City will give his side tonight.

The Red Devils face Stoke at Old Trafford following the disappointing 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.

Tony Pulis's side's combative style is not seen as the ideal recovery match for Ferguson's side after being knocked out of the FA Cup, but the veteran manager believes that his side will be able to cope. The Scot also revealed that he always enjoys the physical challenge.

"You know what Tony Pulis's team will be like, they are the same all the time," said Ferguson.

"They will be 100% committed and they always get stuck in. You have to cope with that. To be honest, I always enjoy it too.

"It was like when we used to play Wimbledon. Stoke are a different team altogether but they still have the same qualities of never giving in, so it is always a good challenge for us."

United are currently sitting in second place behind Manchester City in the Premier League.