MANCHESTER United assistant-manager Mike Phelan is confident his defenders will be able to handle the threat of Rory Delap's monster throw-ins at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Stoke tackle United buoyed by an impressive start to their debut Premier League campaign, despite criticism from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger of their physical approach.

However, Stoke boss Tony Pulis is hardly likely to abandon it given the positive results his side have been getting.

So Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic realise they will be in for a tough workout, with Delap posing a particular threat as he propels the ball into the United penalty area whenever the opportunity comes his way.

"As everyone has seen, those throw-ins are a powerful weapon for Stoke," said Phelan.

"We will look at things to see how we can play against it. But our central defenders are not scared to put their head in where it might hurt. That is part of the job. You have to deal with what comes your way, whether that is a long throw, crosses or anything else."

Sir Alex Ferguson's side will be overwhelming favourites to record a victory desperately needed after last week's defeat at Arsenal.

Fitness concerns over Patrice Evra (ankle) and Darren Fletcher (knee) have yet to be dispelled, although a host of changes following Tuesday's Carling Cup win over QPR are expected, with Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Cristiano Ronaldo among those likely to return.

"Stoke have more in their armoury than just a long throw," said Phelan.

"There are other aspects to their game that we need to approach as well.

"We will address that on the training ground. But it is about how we play the game and how we go about our business at Old Trafford.

"We need to put on a good show." and that is what we are aiming to do."