Smalling, Anderson, Nani: Man Utd's front-to-back attack for Braga

Manchester United will go in an all-out offensive against Braga bolstered by the return of Chris Smalling.

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Smalling will be in United's squad for the first time this season in Wednesday night's Champions League tie away to Braga, according to the Daily Mail (https://bit.ly/RGVPUR).

The England centre-back has not featured since suffering a broken metatarsal in pre-season and had not been expected to be available for selection until next week.

But after Smalling came through another training session at Carrington on Tuesday morning, Ferguson revealed that he will be in United's squad for the Group H tie in Portugal, the report added.

He is more likely to start on the bench but his return is a major filip for Ferguson who has been without Smalling and Phil Jones all season.

Nemanja Vidic has also been ruled out until after Christmas.

"Chris Smalling has travelled and will be involved tomorrow," said Ferguson who had to play Michael Carrick as centre-back.

"He and Phil Jones are fantastic young defenders and that can only help us to mount all the challenges.

"We've done well so far but we can be stronger as a unit with players like Jones and Smalling back."

Ferguson is determined to seal qualification for the Champions League knockout stage and is expected to push forward Nani and Anderson.

"It's an important game in terms of if we win we're through to the next stage," said Ferguson on his 26th anniversary since arriving at Old Trafford.

Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher (cold) both stayed behind when United flew to north-west Portugal.

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