Manchester United 4 - 3 Hull City

Man Utd v Hull: Preview

Updated: October 31, 2008, 3:12 PM UK

Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted he can handle the striking dilemma that is causing the Manchester United a manager fierce headache.

Once again against Hull on Saturday, Ferguson must decide whether to leave out in-form Wayne Rooney, record signing Dimitar Berbatov or last season's inspiration Carlos Tevez.

Wes Brown will miss the clash with an ankle injury but should be fit to face Celtic on Wednesday, meaning Gary Neville is set to occupy the right-back slot.

Edwin van der Sar and Michael Carrick should also be handed starting berths as United look to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Although Rooney was the odd man out on Wednesday when United overcame West Ham, Tevez has largely been the one left among the substitutes.

The situation has led some to question whether the 24-year-old will sign a permanent contract with the Old Trafford outfit as expected when his present loan deal expires at the end of the season.

Ferguson admitted the situation is more delicate than the one he tackled in 1999, when Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were vying for a place in the Scot's team.

However, he does not feel a solution is beyond his experienced grasp.

"It is much more delicate handling the striking situation now,'' said Ferguson.

"In those days there was that northern European culture that was easier to manage. There was a British mentality and there was no problem dealing with it.

"None of them were happy when they didn't play but they understood and it wasn't an issue.

"I sat Wayne down the other day and told him I had to find out how Dimitar and Carlos played together. He understood that. But I don't think he would be too impressed if I left him out of two or three games.

"However, I don't think it is unmanageable.''

Ferguson revealed during the week that he had a similar chat with Tevez, aimed at reassuring the former Boca Juniors man he remains an integral part of his plans.

The message seemed to get home, with Ferguson also hinting he may give the axis of Tevez and Berbatov another try on Saturday.

"On Wednesday I wanted to see how the combination of Berbatov and Tevez was together. But Carlos was so wound up to do well himself that they became two different parts.

"I think they will be far better on Saturday - if I pick them.''

Hull boss Phil Brown admits there will be no hiding place for him at Old Trafford because Ferguson has been monitoring him for years.

Brown has burst onto the managerial scene over the past year after guiding Hull from the lower end of the Championship to the upper echelons of the Premier League.

Yet while Brown has only come to widespread attention with Hull's superb start to the season, Manchester United boss Ferguson has been aware of him since his early days on the Bolton coaching staff.

"The first time he made reference to me was at an after-dinner do at Radcliffe Borough about 15 years ago,'' said Brown, whose side are two points above United going into Saturday's game.

"He spoke and mentioned me as an up-and-coming manager. I rocked back - how does he even know me? I was proud of the fact I was on his radar.

"So he does his homework and leaves no stone unturned. He knows all about the opposition. He certainly knows his stuff.''

Hull will make their first change in six matches with captain Ian Ashbee suspended for the encounter.

Ashbee must serve a one-game ban after being booked for the fifth time this season against West Brom last weekend.

Bryan Hughes, a substitute four times this season, could come in but Bernard Mendy is also an option.

Record signing Anthony Gardner faces a further three weeks out after pulling a thigh muscle in a friendly against Leeds on Monday.

Wednesday's 3-0 defeat to Chelsea was a reality check for Hull after four consecutive wins but Brown is convinced they are still capable of causing United problems.

"The scoreline would suggest we were drubbed but we were in the game for long periods of time, up until the second goal,'' Brown said.

"I think the players can take a lot out of the game, the fact they can go on the same field as hundreds of millions of pounds worth of talent and compete at that level.

"That is exactly what is going to happen on Saturday.

"We are coming up against a world-class team and we know it is going to be difficult but if we bring a competitive performance to the table, like I know we can, then we will give them a game.''