Sir Alex Ferguson is set to name to completely different sides for the two fixtures over Easter weekend, according to The Mirror.
The Red Devils will recommence their challenge for the Premier League title fifteen points ahead of Manchester City, potentially allowing for a degree of first teamers to be rested ahead of Monday’s FA Cup quarter final replay with Chelsea.
Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie are among those likely to sit out of Saturday’s league match with Sunderland; with the latter three all set to play tonight in the World Cup Qualifiers, though United’s manager has admitted that the club is set to fly some key players back privately so they can be involved with match preparation more quickly.
Paul Scholes is in line to play a part the run in, after Ferguson confirmed that the veteran midfielder has returned to training following a knee injury.
Elsewhere, former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam is set return to Old Trafford, to play a part of the United v Real Madrid legends match on June 2nd.
The 40 year old, whose name is still sung by United fans, joins fellow legends Teddy Sherringham, Nicky Butt and Edwin Van Der Sar in the squad.
Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Dennis Irwin, Lee Sharpe, Dion Dublin and Quinton Fortune have also been confirmed to play for the side who will be coached by Bryan Robson.