Robin van Persie will make his full Manchester United debut in place of Wayne Rooney in this afternoon's clash with Fulham at Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old Dutch international, who joined the Red Devils from Arsenal earlier this month, scored three goals in his last six appearances against the Cottagers.

Rooney has been named among the substitutes for the hosts, while Michael Carrick continues at centre-half as Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones all remain on the sidelines.

There is no place in Sir Alex Ferguson's 18-man squad for Nani.

Meanwhile, Fulham boss Martin Jol makes one change from the side that won 5-0 against Norwich, with Matthew Briggs replacing John Arne Riise.

United: De Gea; Rafael, Carrick, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Cleverley, Anderson, Kagawa, Young; Van Persie
Subs: Lindegaard, Evans, Rooney, Giggs, Hernandez, Welbeck, Scholes

Fulham: Schwarzer; Riether, Hangeland, Hughes, Briggs; Duff, Diarra, Dembele, Kacaniklic; Ruiz; Petric