Team News: Wayne Rooney named on bench

Wayne Rooney has been named on the on the substitutes' bench for this afternoon's trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

The striker is still struggling with a knee injury, allowing Danny Welbeck another chance to impress alongside Robin van Persie in Manchester United's attack.

Sir Alex Ferguson has surprised many with his selection of Phil Jones in midfield, as he attempts to quell the threat of Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon.

Jermain Defoe will lead the line alone for Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester United, with Emmanuel Adebayor competing for Togo at the Africa Cup of Nations.

He will be supported from midfield by Clint Dempsey, who is expected to play in his usual advanced role.

Scott Parker starts as the anchor man in the middle of the park in the absence of Sandro, who is still missing through injury.

Spurs: Lloris; Walker, Caulker, Dawson, Naughton; Parker, Dembele, Lennon, Bale, Dempsey; Defoe

Man Utd: De Gea; Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Carrick, Jones, Cleverley, Kagawa; Welbeck, Van Persie