United's bid to finhis

United's bid to finhis the Barclays Premier League season with a win on Sunday - and more importantly to win the Champions League next Wednesday - could be boosted by the return of one or hopefully two England defenders.

Wes Brown is in contention for a start on Sunday afternoon against Hull City while Rio Ferdinand's chances of being involved look better after he trained on Friday morning.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Sir Alex Ferguson said, "Rio has trained today, which is good news. He’s done quite well. We’ll see how he is tomorrow.

"Wes Brown’s been training for over two weeks now. He comes into contention. He’s another experienced international player who’ll relish coming back into the team."

Sir Alex's team selection for the 38th and final fixture of the league season has been the subject of much speculation, given the game's proximity to the Champions League final and its importance to Hull and the other three clubs threatened by relegation.

"We have a league that’s got the best integrity in the world and we’ll play a part in that on Sunday," declared the United manager.

"No matter which team I pick, it will represent Manchester United in the normal way. We’re expected to win and we’ll go to win. That’s the responsibility I always have so nobody should worry themselves unduly about our intentions on this particular occasion.

"I did contemplate phoning the managers involved - Gareth Southgate (Middlesbrough), Alan Shearer (Newcastle) and Ricky Sbragia (Sunderland). Then I thought to myself, 'Ricky worked here, he knows this club, he knows exactly what we’re going to do. Gareth Southgate and Alan Shearer have played against us many times – they know exactly what it’s like to play against Manchester United.'

"So I dismissed the idea (of phoning) because they must know we’ll be doing our best.”

As normal, the Reds boss did not reveal his line-up at Friday's pre-match press conference, but there was a hint it may resemble his FA Cup semi-final side...

"If I can trust them in a semi-final, why not trust them in the final league match when we have already won the title?" asked Sir Alex.

There could be at least one difference to the young side which narrowly failed to reach the FA Cup final - Darren Fletcher is widely tipped to play against Hull, given he is ineligible to face Barcelona in Rome on Wednesday night. Could the Scot be made skipper on Sunday?

"I've not thought about that one," admitted Sir Alex.

"I'll put it in my memory box... and it may be used!"