Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is keen for Rio Ferdinand to play some part in the Vodacom Challenge match against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday.
The squad head off to Durban tomorrow to prepare for the game following the 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs at the Newlands Stadium.
Ferdinand was named in the team after sitting out the friendly against Aberdeen the previous week.
However the England defender suffered a back spasm just before kick-off and was not risked with Wes Brown taking his place.
Ferguson is hoping Ferdinand will recover in time for the second game of the tournament.
"I will make some changes for the next match because we have to give everyone some minutes on the clock, Rio Ferdinand in particular," said the United boss.
"He missed the game at Aberdeen and is behind schedule in terms of games.
"But I would like to think he will be fit to take part on Tuesday."
Michael Carrick, who is carrying a knock, could also be available to face the Pirates while Brown is expected to recover from a gashed ankle he sustained yesterday.
One bonus for Ferguson is the re-emergence of club captain Gary Neville after a long absence through injury.
Neville played 60 minutes against the Chiefs after a first half run-out at Aberdeen the previous week.
He showed plenty of tenacity and in fact conceded the penalty that Jonathan Quartey converted to give the South Africans the lead.
"Obviously his tackling has not improved," quipped Ferguson, who added: "Gary's enthusiasm and speed of play was quite phenomenal. I am very pleased and he is a remarkable man.
"Anyone who has played football knows that when you get to your 30s and been out of the game for 16 months, your comeback is very, very difficult. You have to give him a lot of credit."
In a feisty game in the shadow of Table Mountain, United secured the equaliser thanks to a Chris Eagles header following a cross from Carlos Tevez.
Eagles, 22, savoured the moment as he made only three appearances for United in a season that saw them win the Champions League and Premier League title.
He said: "It was a good game and I was pleased with my efforts.
"It was so loud out there because the fans were blowing their horns. But it was a brilliant atmosphere.
"I had some time against Aberdeen last week and really enjoyed it - I just love playing in the first team."
Wayne Rooney was certainly fired up for the game and got booked in the second half as his temper got the better of him.
However Ferguson believes the England striker was unfairly punished. "Wayne is a born fighter," explained the Old Trafford boss. "He gets frustrated in some games.
"He is learning how to control himself and it (the challenge) was next to nothing.
"I do not think he was out of order in this instance."
Ferguson was pleased with the spirit shown by both sides.
He added: "It was a good competitive game and the Kaizer Chiefs played well.
"We found ourselves 1-0 down and that makes it hard because you are still looking for fitness and rhythm to your game.
"I think we deserved a draw. It was a good work-out and a competitive match with lots of tasty tackles.
"That brings an edge to your game and I was very pleased to get that kind of competition."
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Comment 1 - 10 of 10
Ronaldo though not bigger than Man United is going nowhere. people should understand that Man United sells Players when they want to. No team, not even the Madrid of this world can force Man United to sell her player. We sold Beck when we were through with him, same for Henze and Nist'roy. Madrid should know better.
dean you are such a hopeless fellow pathetic if you ask ne. beg somemore he might hear you. ManU is just getting a taste of their own medicine. remember Tevez and WestHam, you remember Rooney and Everton. ManU bully their way to get them and real madrid is just doing the same thing
The guys tough so he'll be fit when the serious stuff starts and that's really what matters.
"RONALDO"..if you EVER CARE, to Read these English EDITION, of EUROSPORT...PLEASE, Believe us, "TRUE BLOODED MAN.U" Supporters and Fans,(I've BEEN for over 20 YEARS!)PLEASE.."WE LOVE YOU" !!RONALDO...Forget SPAIN, GET Yourself,a DECENT GIRL..Leve that
Spanish NEREIDA, SHE is NOT that BEAUTIFUL!! AND she is NOT Worthy of YOU! Bring ALL your FERRARIS to Manchester! DONN'T LEAVE RONALDO !!!-LONDON
ronaldo wont go to anyone he will sign with us again cos he knows he wants to and he needs to and he has to see out hos contract to he has no choice and alex feruson does not have to let him go even if the fa say
its there contract together and ronadlo stop leaveing us haging on and let us no what u want to do ok its not fair on the fans and the team i love ronaldo united are the best ever please stay ronaldo ok for us and for u to
manchester united i sleep football talk football and i can name all the manchester united players in our team i would love nothing more to be with u 24.7 and we are the kings twice chelsea u better watch out were coming for u again and we we beat u all over agian manchester united and we love them and i love them and no they are the best team in the hole wide world ever i love u manchester united i scream when we score and and i jump up and down when we win and go mad cos we deserve it more than anyone we are the best keep going the champs i love u boys well done aimee c
i love you manchester united we are the best i have your pictures all ovr my walls and stuff and your bed quilt and your football team kits cos i jsut love manchester un ited i am manchester united mad i have the scalf to i have united ott items we are the best and no team will ever be as manunited
u no we rule and alex ferguson we love u please stay at manchester untited. xxx
manchester united we love you we are the kings twice over and i jsut love manchester united please dont leave united ronaldo it wont be the same without u
we love u all your fans do wouldnt change my team for the world ever we love u manchester united
united rule and ronaldo needs to stay and keep with united cos he wont be on top form no were else like and united are th best ever team in the world i love them with all my heart and soul. xxx
Apparently if Ronaldo keeps going on about "his dream" move, SAF is going to loan him out to Stockport County for three months. Not sure if he'd be such a wing wizard at EP though.
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