LONDON (AFP) - Alex Ferguson is expected to rest England teenage star Wayne Rooney for Manchester United's English Premiership clash with Birmingham.
The United manager wants to let his 30 million pound striker recharge his batteries after the 18-year-old's two international matches for England in their World Cup qualifying game in four days.
Ferguson also wants to ensure Rooney is fully fit for United's Champions League clash against Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
Rooney has not had a break since making his United debut in sensational style by scoring a hat-trick in the 6-2 Champions League win over Fenerbahce.
He also played a key role in England's back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Azerbaijan.
Rooney's enforced rest means a likely recall to the United line-up for Alan Smith, who started just one of United's last five games, despite scoring five goals in his first six appearances.
France striker Louis Saha, who has not played for United since August 30 after suffering a recurrence of a knee injury, is also available.
Ferguson has warned United must stop "leaking goals" and giving teams an "easy ride" if they are to salvage their fading title hopes.
United trail pacesetters Arsenal by nine points and Fergie told his players they must improve their defensive record if they are to mount any kind of comeback.
Although Ferguson finally has a settled back four with the return of Rio Ferdinand from suspension, United have still only kept two clean sheets in eight Premiership games this season.
And that is not good enough for the United boss. "We can't be leaking goals and giving teams an easy ride," he said. "That will be the foundation for us to win matches," he told the Daily Mirror.
"We need to get a solid back four performance. We need that back four performing all the time now. Rio returning to the team was a huge boost to everyone at the club and I've not been surprised by his performances and how well he has slipped back into gear."
Despite Fergie's concern at United's defensive frailties, there will be no return to first-team action for USA goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Howard, who made such a big impact last season, has had to make way for Roy Carroll after a series of blunders. Howard has also lost his place as No.1 in the American side to Blackburn's Brad Friedel.
"Roy Carroll deserves his chance," said Ferguson. "He's always been a steady and consistent performer. He will stay in the team now as long as his performances merit it.
"I won't be looking to change things. It's Roy's turn now."