Marseille can expect more United surprises

MANCHESTER - Manchester United sprung a surprise by fielding seven defenders at the weekend and may be poised for another against Olympique Marseille in the Champions League with Nani close to an early return from injury.

Manager Alex Ferguson had ruled him out of Tuesday's last-16 second leg as the Portuguese recovers from a gashed leg but seemed to change his mind before the French champion heads to Old Trafford following last month's 0-0 draw in Marseille.

"Nani has had the stitches removed and has a chance for Tuesday," Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News on Sunday. "He's done some work on the bike, but the problem is that he hasn't trained yet."