Manchester United take on Schalke 04 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal clash as favourites to advance to the final at Wembley, and Sir Alex Ferguson has opted to keep more or less the same team that did away with Chelsea by fielding a 4-4-1-1 led by Javier Hernandez with Wayne Rooney in a roving role between the lines. Portuguese midfielder Nani is missing, replaced by the more defensively-minded Park Ji-Sung, while Antonio Valencia will maraud down the right with Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick manning the centre. There aren't many surprises in defence, although Fabio da Silva starts in the place of twin brother Rafael at right back.

Manchester United (4-4-1-1): Edwin van der Sar; Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Fabio da Silva; Park Ji-Sung, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia; Wayne Rooney; Javier Hernandez.

Substitutes: Tomasz Kuszczak, Anderson, Chris Smalling, Nani, Paul Scholes, Rafael da Silva, Jonny Evans.