John O'Shea feels that, in Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, United are blessed with Europe's finest central defensive partnership.

The Reds' defence has made a rock-solid start to the season, conceding just two goals in eight Premier League games, and O'Shea feels Vidic and Ferdinand have been central to that record.

Spanish defender Gerard Pique hopes to capitalise on his recent United performances by commanding more regular action in the first-team.

The 20-year-old former Barcelona youngster has played in two of United's last four matches.

Louis Saha will miss France's Euro 2008 qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Lithuania with a knee injury.

The United striker was called up for his country's Group B double-header, but left the French training camp in Clairefontaine on Tuesday, and the French Football Federation confirmed he will not be replaced in the squad.

United defender Wes Brown will miss England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia on Saturday with a knee injury.

The versatile defender sat out United's wins over Roma and Wigan after sustaining the knock at Birmingham, but still joined up with Steve McClaren's side, however, with a view to playing at Wembley.

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick will be out of action for up to six weeks with a fractured right elbow.

The injury also means the 26-year-old will miss England's crucial upcoming Euro 2008 qualifying games against Estonia and Russia.

He suffered the injury during the latter stages of United's Champions League victory over Roma on Tuesday.

Roy Keane aims to bring Manchester United defenders Jonny Evans and Danny Simpson back to Sunderland in the January transfer window.

Both enjoyed a successful spell last season as Keane guided the Black Cats back to the Premier League.

Keane said: "If I thought there was an opportunity to bring Jonny to Sunderland, we would consider it.

Manchester United defender Gary Neville is poised to make his long-awaited return from injury when he plays for the reserves on Thursday.

Neville has been out since March with calf and ankle problems but he resumed training late last month.

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We are hoping to use Gary against Liverpool reserves this week. That's the plan.

Ryan Giggs has paid tribute to Gerard Pique, Danny Simpson and Anderson for their contributions in the 4-0 victory over Wigan.

"Pique came in at centre-half and did a good job, and so did Simmo," Giggs told the club's official website.

"They got two assists really, so overall it was a really good performance from them both."

Manchester United's attacking trio of Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney put their side top of the table for the first time this season.

United suffered two more injuries in the first half when Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea had to go off, two substitutions that disrupted the champions' impressive early rhythm.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United were a 'little lucky' to beat Roma.

Ferguson praised Tomasz Kuszczak on his Champions League debut, but admitted Roma failed to make the most of their chances.

"He was excellent. He made a couple of good saves and made a good block in the second half," Ferguson said.