SoccerPlay

Manchester United have suffered a setback on the eve of their Europa League clash against Ajax, as club veteran Ryan Giggs, striker Dimitar Berbatov and defender Patrice Evra were absentees as United headed out to Amsterdam to compete in UEFA Cup for the first time since 1995.

Giggs has played a major part this season in helping United keep up with Manchester City at the summit of the league table. Hence it was understandable that manager Sir Alex Ferguson has chosen to give the 38-year old a breather. His next appearance will be his 900th appearance for the Red Devils.

The reason for the absence of Patrice Evra and Dimitar Berbatov is unknown yet, and shall be revealed in the pre-match conference. United have suffered several setbacks on the injury front this season, and Sir Alex has being deploying his players out-of-position for several weeks now.

United’s Nani, Chris Smalling, Nemanja Vidic, Anderson, Darren Fletcher, Michael Owen, Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones and Ashley Young were all on the treatment table, and may now add the names of Evra and Berbatov if it is revealed that they are injured. Though Nani, Cleverley, Young and Jones have returned, it remains to be seen whether they will feature against Ajax.