Rooney’s last minute goal assured United will have an advantage in next Wednesday’s second leg but Fergie will surely be forced to rotate his lineup to some degree at Everton in preparation for that game. So how much of a risk will he take?

Rotating his defence is not an option unless Neville is fit. He was rated 50-50 for last night’s game but there is little chance that he’ll be risked against Everton. So expect to see the same back four intact at Goodison. Smith and Solskjaer do look odds on to figure having both been unused last night while Richardson could also come in if he recovers from a knock suffered against Boro. So who will drop out? Richardson for Giggs is almost a given but could a Smith/Solskjaer pairing with Rooney rested to the bench against his former club be a viable option?

I think either Ronaldo or Rooney could be spared to the bench, as could Carrick, despite the opposition and the importance of the fixture. Sir Alex is in confident mood and I think he’ll feel he’d have enough to overcome Everton with either Rooney or Ronaldo starting on the bench. My bet is it will be Ronaldo who starts with Rooney primed on the bench should things go awry and therefore spared of the boos that are likely to come his way. You’ll find my current predicted lineup here of course, along with all the other early team news for the weekend games.