Man Utd v Villarreal preview

Ronaldo expected to return as Red Devils begin their defence

Last updated: 17th September 2008

Man Utd v Villarreal preview

Ronaldo: Expected to return

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Manchester United begin the defence of their UEFA Champions League crown on Wednesday when Villarreal visit Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports 2 and HD 2.

United sampled Champions League glory for the second time in their history last season following a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over domestic rivals Chelsea in Moscow.

On top of a pair of Champions League wins, the Red Devils also won the European Cup in 1968 and manager Sir Alex Ferguson is again eager to add 'ole big ears' to the trophy cabinet.

Villarreal, though, will prove a difficult obstacle in Group E after finishing above Barcelona in the Spanish Primera Liga, and the 2006 semi-finalists will hope for a positive start in their first outing in Europe's most prestigious club competition since their final four defeat to Arsenal two years ago.

Scholes suspended

Manager Manuel Pellegrini could fancy his side's chances of reaching the knock-out stages in a group which also contains Celtic and Danish champions Aalborg.

However, Ferguson is expected to have Cristiano Ronaldo - who has made a speedy recovery from an ankle operation in the summer - back at his disposal when United's Spanish visitors arrive.

For a time in the close-season, it appeared United's victory in Russia in May was to be Ronaldo's final appearance in red, but the winger resisted the lure of Real Madrid and is expected to be named among the substitutes on Wednesday.

However, midfielder Michael Carrick is expected to be out for between four and six weeks after injuring his foot in last weekend's defeat to Liverpool, while Paul Scholes is suspended following his sending off in the Uefa Super Cup in August.

Berbatov doubt

The absence of Carrick and Scholes is likely to see Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves named in Ferguson's first XI.

Transfer deadline day arrival Dimitar Berbatov is a slight doubt after injuring his knee and Nani is likely to take a place in attack.

Villarreal are without former United striker Giuseppe Rossi, who has failed to overcome a sprained ankle, but ex-Arsenal star Robert Pires should start.

Defender Javi Venta and midfield duo Marcos Senna and Gonzalo Rodriguez will provide experience as the only three remaining members of the squad which featured in the last Champions League outing.