Robin van Persie has recovered from injury to take his place in Manchester United's starting XI for today's match against Stoke City.

He will partner Wayne Rooney, while Tom Cleverley starts ahead of Marouane Fellaini in midfield.

Chris Smalling also takes Rafael's place in defence.

Stoke City opt to give Peter Crouch a rare start as a lone striker, with Marko Arnautovic dropping back into midfield.

Geoff Cameron is in for Andy Wilkinson in defence, while Wilson Palacios replaces Oussama Assaidi.

Manchester United: De Gea; Smalling, Jones, Evans, Evra; Nani, Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa; Rooney, van Persie

Stoke City: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Pieters; Walters, Palacios, Ireland, Nzonzi, Arnautovic; Crouch