Why Stoke won’t choke Man United

Darren Fletcher has warned Manchester United should not be sucked in by the belief Stoke are just a team of long-ball merchants

Why Stoke won't choke Man United

Darren Fletcher has warned Manchester United should not be sucked in by the belief Stoke are just a team of long-ball merchants.

Tony Pulis' in-form Potteries outfit head to Old Trafford tonight trying to prevent their hosts making it a 20-match unbeaten start to the season.

"Stoke can be physical at times," said the Scotland skipper. "They put long throws and free-kicks into the box and are willing to go direct.

"But that is not to neglect the football players they have. Matthew Etherington and Jermaine Pennant like to get at you and dribble.

"Tuncay and Ricardo Fuller are good, attacking-style players who like the ball at their feet too, so they do have options and can cause problems on the ground."

On their past two trips to Old Trafford, Stoke have conceded nine goals, without scoring once. Indeed, a secret weapon in combating Rory Delap's long throws has been established.

"The slope at Old Trafford stops them building up momentum. The pitch is bigger as well so maybe they can't get the throws quite as far into the box.

"It is still a danger but we prepare for it. We do our homework and try to manage it the best way we can."

Before confirming his final selection of the Christmas programme, Sir Alex Ferguson will need to assess the fitness of Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra and Darron Gibson, who all ended Saturday's win at West Brom in various states of discomfort.

Rooney in particular was struggling badly at the final whistle after being caught on the ankle and even if the damage is not extensive, it would not be a surprise should Ferguson opt to rest him. Meanwhile, Nani is hoping to be available after his recent hip complaint.