Team News: Three strikers included in Manchester United team

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has named an attacking team for Stoke City's visit to Old Trafford in the Premier League.

Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney all start for the hosts, with the latter expected to play in a deeper role.

Despite stepping up their respective recoveries recently, neither Chris Smalling nor Ashley Young have been included in the United squad.

Tony Pulis will be relying on Peter Crouch to provide the main goal threat for his side but Michael Owen has proved his fitness to earn a spot on the bench against his former team.

Man Utd: De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Scholes, Carrick, Valencia, Rooney, Welbeck, Van Persie

Stoke: Begovic, Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson, Walters, Whitehead, Nzonzi, Adam, Kightly, Crouch