United to Rest RVP Ahead of Real Madrid Visit

Dutch striker Robin van Persie is likely to be ready to face Spanish champions Real Madrid next midweek. Manchester United play the club from the Spanish capital in the second leg of their Champions League knock-out tie, after drawing the first leg in Spain, 1-1.

The ex-Arsenal striker has been in simply prolific form since his summer move from the Emirates and with 19 strikes, the 29-year-old is the Premier League's leading goal scorer.

However, he injured his hip during the weekend's league match against QPR; he hit a camera at Loftus Road and had to be substituted.

"Robin collided with a camera, which was in a dug-out piece of ground," Sir Alex Ferguson said, "He hit the base of it and has a very bruised hip."

Fortunately for United fans, van Persie appears to have recovered rapidly and will probably line-up against Jose Mourinho and the Spanish giants at Old Trafford on 5 March.

However, Ferguson is unlikely to risk him again before the all-important clash against Madrid and could look to rest him for the weekend's league match at Old Trafford; United host Norwich City.

The Premier League leaders are 12 points ahead of defending champions and cross-town rivals Manchester City, in the race for the league title and barring a catastrophic turn of events, Ferguson is likely to celebrate yet another league title in May.

Carrick on QPR Win

Meanwhile, United midfielder Michael Carrick was effusive in his praise of his team mates, following the win against Harry Redknapp's Rangers. Although the score line suggests it was a comfortable match, Carrick admitted there were a few nervous moments but the veteran midfielder stressed that the players remained committed and finally secured the win.

"We expected a tough game and we certainly got it, especially in the first half. The pitch was bouncy and bobbly and it's tight at the best of times here [at Loftus Road].It was just a case of adapting to the conditions and the context of the game, battling it out at times. I thought we did that well. Throughout the season it's not always going to be pretty. Sometimes you have to grind out results, work hard and make the most of your opportunities," he said.