EDWIN VAN DER SAR: Time is running out for the veteran Dutchman, who ended last season as the penalty hero in the Champions League final, followed by an outstanding Euro 2008. But this term he has looked fragile, leading to calls for former Stoke keeper Ben Foster to get his chance in the first team. At his best, a match-winner, but the years appear to be catching up with the 38-year-old.

RAPHAEL DA SILVA: The Brazilian right-back has been the discovery of the season for Sir Alex Ferguson. The rampaging teenager looks more like a winger than defender at times, but tackles as well as he attacks down the wing.

His stunning goal against Arsenal last week was just a taste of his potential.

RIO FERDINAND: Like fine wine, Ferdinand just gets better with age. The England vice-captain has never looked so good as when alongside the more uncompromising talents of Nemanja Vidic and is arguably the finest centre-half in Europe right now.

A man whose languid style is often mistaken for lethargy, his powers of perception are unsurpassed, as is his ability to begin attacks from the back.

NEMANJA VIDIC: The robust Serbian is the steel to Ferdinand's silk. Strong in the tackle, commanding in the air and fast on the ground, he is the defender's defender.

But it is not just at the back that Vidic will pose a problem for Stoke – he pops up at the other end regularly to score vital goals for United.

PATRICE EVRA: The little Frenchman has the pace, control and crossing ability to keep the opposition on the back foot throughout.

Will look to overlap on the flank as often as possible, which could leave gaps at the back, but more often than not has the speed and tackling ability to recover.

Can be hot-headed at times, which could be an area for Stoke to exploit.

ANDERSON: The man Ferguson earmarked as the natural successor to Roy Keane recently, the Brazilian has got everyone at United excited. An entirely different player to Keane, he is seen by many as a successor to Paul Scholes, with a wonderful eye for the pass and boundless stores of energy. But despite his diminutive stature, the 20-year-old has stood up to some of the biggest in the Premier League and will not be intimidated by a physical approach.

MICHAEL CARRICK: Carries the huge burden of wearing Keane's No16 shirt with aplomb. At his best the England midfielder orchestrates proceedings from the middle of the park with pinpoint passing and unshakable composure on the ball. Not the quickest on the ground, but has the anticipation to break up attacks in front of the back four and also pops up with his fair share of goals.

DARREN FLETCHER: One of the most improved players for United this season, Fletcher has three goals already this season. Ferguson could opt for his fellow Scot instead of more of a flair player like Giggs or Nani in order to combat an expected physical approach from Stoke. Fletcher is at his best when keeping things simple with short passes and lots of energy.

CRISTIANO RONALDO (right): Double Footballer of the Year, World Player of the Year, 42 goals last season, seven already this term.

Like George Best, Ronaldo will leave defenders with twisted blood, and if Tony Pulis can find a way to nullify his threat, he will have managers from across the globe calling him up on Monday. Fast, strong, tricky, he can score with either foot or the head, as well as from set-plays. Simply unplayable.

WAYNE ROONEY (main picture): Produced the best scoring form of his life when hitting nine in seven games for club and country earlier this season.

However, the England striker has failed to fined the back of the net in each of his last five appearances.

The former Everton star is a tireless worker with wonderful vision and the ability to score incredible goals, the 23-year-old won't be bullied out of the game.

DIMITAR BERBATOV (right):

The Bulgaria international – Manchester United's record signing at £30.75m – is slowly finding his feet at Old Trafford following his protracted move from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

He has still not reproduced his brilliant displays for Spurs – despite scoring five goals to date.

But he is, without a doubt, a world-class performer and can win a match virtually single-handedly.

TOMASZ KUSZCZAK: Given few opportunities under Van der Sar, but clearly highly thought of at United having recently been handed a new contract. This season is battling it out with former Stoke City keeper Ben Foster for the understudy role at Old Trafford.

GARY NEVILLE: The England defender has battled with injury over the last 18 months following ankle and calf problems.

Already had his work cut out trying win his place back from Wes Brown for club and country, but now the emergence of Raphael has further intensified the competition for the right-back berth.

RYAN GIGGS: The ageless Welshman has won more Premier League titles than anyone and is United's all-time record appearance holder.

Has been used in a central midfield role more this season, but still has the pace to set fear into the hearts of defenders.

JONNY EVANS: Earmarked by Ferguson as the successor to Rio Ferdinand, the United boss worked hard to stop Evans from quitting the club in the summer.

Roy Keane was desperate to take him to Sunderland, while a number of other Premier League clubs were monitoring his situation.

However, Ferguson convinced him he had a bright future at Old Trafford, even allowing Mikael Silvestre and Gerard Pique to leave the club to make room for the Irishman.

NANI: Capable of moments of brilliance, but can also frustrate with his decision-making. The Portugal international is a traditional winger with pace and trickery, who can play on either side.

JOHN O'SHEA: The archetypal utility player, O'Shea can operate in central midfield, central defence or at left-back. More often than not, he is deployed to close a game out or to cause trouble with his aerial presence.

CARLOS TEVEZ: The pint-sized Argentina international has had to bide his time this season after scoring 19 in United's Premier League and Champions League success last term.

Played in the Carling Cup against QPR on Tuesday, scoring the winner from the penalty spot, which will be a massive boost to his confidence.

Tricky and strong, if there is a criticism of the 24-year-old it is that too much of his good work is done outside the penalty box.