If Veron fails the test Beckham could start his second game since December 1, having been a substitute for most of United’s six-match winning streak.

The turn of form has left Alex Ferguson with a selection headache but it is one managers relish as he find s himself toying between two world-class midfielders.

Ferguson said: ‘‘It’s difficult because David is a great player, but the midfield has been doing terrifically. How I can go to Nicky Butt and say ‘look Nicky you have been fantastic over the last six or seven games, but I’m leaving you out’?

‘‘Unfortunately David is going to have to wait a bit but when he comes back we know what he is capable of.’’

Ferguson will wait until after training on Saturday before deciding. He is reluctant to make changes but could bring back rookie centre-half John O’Shea who has recovered from a groin injury. If he does Gary Neville would be most likely to move to right full-back in place of his brother Phil.

Ryan Giggs has been ruled out with a slight hamstring injury.

Team (from): Barthez; G Neville, Blanc, O’Shea, Silvestre, Beckham, Veron, Keane, Butt, Scholes, Solskjaer, van Nistelrooy, P Neville, Chadwick, Irwin, Yorke, Carroll.