Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is expecting a physical onslaught at struggling Stoke on Sunday. The Potters are now only three points in front of third-bottom Wigan, having played a game more.

"It's always a difficult place to go to," Ferguson said. "Ask any manager or player, you know you have to perform to get a result there.

"You have to stand up to the mark because they do present a challenge.

"They are strong physically, their set-piece play is good, their long throw-ins are legendary and I don't think you can quieten that crowd, it is probably one of the noisiest in the league.

"That is what we will face on Sunday and we have to deal with it."