Paul Scholes believes now is the time for Manchester United's claim to have a strong squad to stand up to the test. With ten first team players out of action Scholes is determined not to use the injury list as an excuse for any slack performances.

"We have been saying all along we have a big squad and a quality squad. Now we have to prove it," the midfielder said.

"Only time will tell if we get stretched.

"Wes Brown has been looking quite good in training, so he should be back soon. It would be nice to get Rio Ferdinand back as well.

"It is disappointing when you get injuries and we seem to be dropping like flies but this is the time you need your squad players."