The veteran was rested for the clash at Wigan on Wednesday, which the Red Devils lost 1-0 to reopen the title race.

They are looking to re-establish a significant lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table on Sunday, with Roberto Mancini's side in action over 24 hours earlier.

Ferguson has acknowledged Scholes' effect in recent months but admitted the 37-year-old needed a break from first-team action.

He said: "Paul has shown his influence since he came back but I did the right thing to rest him on Wednesday.

"He will be fresh on Sunday and he will play."

Scholes has been a mainstay of the Red Devils' team since his return in January, having played in 16 games, scoring three times.

Ferguson re-signed the player until the end of the season at the turn of the year, a decision that was labelled 'desperate' by former Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira.