Manchester United are in defensive chaos as they head for their match against the Irons at The Boleyn on Saturday evening.
It looks certain that injury-ravaged Rio Ferdinand will be forced into duty at central defence as a partner to Phil Jones with Nemanja Vidic suspended following his sending off against Liverpool on Sunday.
The former Hammer has to be carefully nursed through his games at 35 years old after numerous back and associated injuries.
But under-the-cosh David Moyes appears to have no alternative but to throw him in as Phil Jones’ partner given injuries to Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans.
Moyes – already reported to be on a three match stay of execution – will be praying that Jones comes through the Champions League clash against Olympiakos tomorrow evening safely and that neither he or Ferdinand break down against us.
It’s all a massive problem to the manager who has not seen Ferdinand as a “go to” player this season but now has to rely on him over two games in quick succession against us and local rivals Manchester City next Tuesday.
And what makes it much worse is that the player himself has acknowledged that he has real problems playing two games in 72 hours or less.
With the uncertainties hanging over Moyes’ position at Old Trafford there may have been no better time to meet the falling champions.
