Ferguson leaves big names at home

Manchester United set off for their Champions League clash with Maccabi Haifa this morning with a handful of youngsters in place…

Manchester United set off for their Champions League clash with Maccabi Haifa this morning with a handful of youngsters in place of some of their biggest names.

United face the Israeli champions in Cyprus on Tuesday, but having already secured their place in the second phase they were able to rest David Beckham, Laurent Blanc and Fabien Barthez.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has a hamstring problem, Ryan Giggs, who missed Saturday's draw with Aston Villa with a knee injury, and Nicky Butt, who is to undergo ankle surgery on Tuesday, were also missing from the 19-strong party.

Paul Scholes was the only first choice midfielder to get on the plane and Cypriot fans can expect to get a glimpse of youngsters Mads Timm, Mark Lynch, Daniel Nardiello and Ben Williams.

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With Barthez left at home, United are expected to start with Spain's Ricardo in goal.