Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has handed a surprise start to goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard for this afternoon's Premier League trip to Southampton.

Rio Ferdinand has shaken off a groin strain to make the starting 11. The defender will partner Nemanja Vidic at the back, while Jonny Evans makes the bench after recovering from an ankle injury.

Southampton's new signing Emmanuel Mayuka makes the bench after being granted a work permit, but Japan defender Maya Yoshida could not secure clearance in time.

Southampton: K Davis, Clyne, Hooiveld, Fonte, Fox, Schneiderlin, S Davis, Ward-Prowse, Lallana, Puncheon, Lambert

Manchester United: Lindegaard, Rafael, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa, Welbeck, Van Persie