Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be thrust back into Manchester United's starting eleven at Chelsea on Sunday after pleading with Alex Ferguson to be handed the chance to tackle Luiz Felipe Scolari's table toppers.

Luiz Felipe Scolari refused to be drawn into a war of words with Manchester United's Alex Ferguson over the age of his squad, but insisted Chelsea's experience could win them the Premiership.

Cristiano Ronaldo has predicted an imminent development over his Manchester United future as manager Alex Ferguson has warned Real Madrid against trying to lure the winger with heavy-handed tactics.