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TEAM NEWS: Rooney dropped to bench as Giggs makes 1000th appearance against Real Madrid
Mar 5, 2013 6:45:00 PM
As expected, Cristiano Ronaldo starts for Los Blancos on his return to Old Trafford, with Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck and Nani all lining up for Manchester United
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has elected to drop Wayne Rooney to the bench for his side's Champions League last-16 second-leg clash with Real Madrid.
Ryan Giggs returns to the starting line-up for what will be his 1000th appearance for the club whilst Nani is a shock inclusion for the hosts out wide.
Meanwhile, veteran centre-back partnership Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic reprise their roles in defence but Shinji Kagawa, a hat-trick hero against Norwich City on Saturday, is forced to settle for a substitute's role.
The visitors' team is largely as expected, with Cristiano Ronaldo to enjoy his first outing at Old Trafford since leaving United for £80 million in 2009.
Diego Lopez continues in goal for the visitors in the absence of Iker Casillas, whilst Gonzalo Higuain is preferred to Karim Benzema up top.
Manchester United starting XI: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Carrick, Cleverley, Giggs; Nani, Welbeck, Van Persie
Subs: Lindegaard, Evans, Valencia, Young, Kagawa, Rooney, Chicharito
Real Madrid starting XI: Lopez; Arbeloa, Varane, Ramos, Coentrao; Alonso, Khedira; Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo, Higuain
Subs: Adan, Pepe, Albiol, Kaka, Benzema, Modric, Callejon