By David Hobbs
August 23 2005

Manchester United travel to Hungary in an attempt to cement their place in the Champions League Group Stages after beating Debrecen 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Debrecen v. Manchester United
Champions League 3rd Round Qualifier 2nd Leg
Ferenc Puskas Stadium, Budapest
24th August, 2005 

Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy all found the net 2 weeks ago at Old Trafford but the Hungarian champions will put up a fight.

However, a depleted side will travel east as Sir Alex Ferguson keeps one eye on the Premiership clash with Newcastle United, which takes place just 4 days later.

Ferguson confirmed a number of players will be missing, including skipper Roy Keane who will be replaced by the newly adapted Alan Smith. "Someone has to step in there eventually. It has happened in the past with great players, as when Roy replaced Bryan Robson, that has happened throughout the history of our club.

"We are trying to utilise Alan Smith's abilities," the Scotsman added. "He has great character, a great personality and is a very committed player. He's quick and very enthusiastic to play in that position and he will get an opportunity to show what he can do."

Minor injuries to John O'Shea and Mikael Silvestre allow Gabriel Heinze and Wes Brown to step into defence with Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville.

Sir Alex Ferguson also confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will start with Ryan Giggs, who is happy to return following a chest infection. "Thankfully, I have started training again now, but I need to start playing games and getting involved again. I haven't had the best of times because after doing all the pre-season work, and playing in four or five games, I then spent ten days in bed ill," said the Welsh international.

Traveling team:  
Van der Sar, Howard; Neville, Ferdinand, Heinze, Brown, Bardsley, Pique; Fletcher, Scholes, Smith, Ronaldo, Park, Richardson, Miller, Giggs; Van Nistelrooy, Rooney, Rossi.

ManUtdWeb Prediction:
It will be a tough and intimidating away trip for the Red Devils, but I'm sure United will secure the Champions League spot. 1-0 United. 

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]