Article by Mark Graham, Editor, Record Keeper & Official Reporter @ MUFCINFO.COM.


Patrice Evra begins his four-match ban as United start early for the Festive fixtures with a 12.45pm KO at the Britannia Stadium, with the top two Liverpool and Chelsea dropping points again, United will not want see another chance to capitalize on the slip up go begging.

JOS is expected to start at left back.

Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen is expected to return due to a finger injury.

Ryan Shawcross has been declared fit to face his former club.

Giggs on Tokyo Jetlag
"I cannot actually remember how I was feeling in terms of what the travel took out of me, but we were obviously okay," said the Welshman. "The one thing 99 gave us was confidence. There was a buzz about us coming back.

"It is December and we have won a trophy already and that should give us the confidence to go into the Christmas period.

"There is no reason why we shouldn't go on a roll. We are focusing our sights on putting together a consistent run that will see us get back on track in the Premier League.

SAF on Tokyo & Christmas
"We've no injury worries,"  "Everyone has come through the trip well.

"We just hope we've got enough time to prepare for Friday's game. They had yesterday off and looked quite fresh in training today."

"We're in tomorrow, training, then we go down at night to Stoke," he revealed. "We’re training in the morning, and we’re back in plenty of time to enjoy the family gatherings.

"Of course, the Portuguese and some of the European players celebrate it the previous night, it’s a different culture. So you’re not hindered.".

 72nd League meeting between the two sides.

SAF's 637th Premiership fixture in charge.