Sir Alex Ferguson must decide whether to leave out in-form Wayne Rooney, record signing Dimitar Berbatov or Carlos Tevez for the game against Hull on Saturday. It is a similar situation to 1999, when Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were vying for a place in the Reds team.

"It is much more delicate handling the striking situation now," said Ferguson.

"In those days there was that northern European culture that was easier to manage. There was a British mentality and there was no problem dealing with it.

"None of them were happy when they didn't play but they understood and it wasn't an issue.

"I sat Wayne down the other day and told him I had to find out how Dimitar and Carlos played together. He understood that. But I don't think he would be too impressed if I left him out of two or three games.

"However, I don't think it is unmanageable."