Kean grateful for Ferguson support

As well as choosing to leave out Wayne Rooney for the clash at Old Trafford on New Year's Eve that then-bottom side Rovers won 3-2, Ferguson was also one of boss Steve Kean's most outspoken backers when Rovers fans' protests against him reached their height.

United travel to Ewood Park for the reverse fixture on Monday three points above the relegation zone, and Kean said of Ferguson's backing: "During that period I spoke to him on the phone, I had a really good conversation with him, so I take my hat off to him for taking the time to pick the phone up."

He added: "It means a lot because you know how busy these people are and the amount of strain on his time so I really appreciated that call."

Blackburn have certainly picked up wins on a more consistent basis since their Old Trafford success and can take confidence from their recent results against the champions.

As well as December's victory, they have also held United to draws in the last two meetings at Ewood Park, although they were also beaten 7-1 at Old Trafford last season.

Looking back to December, Kean said: "We played well that day. If you can get a good positive start and put teams under pressure - we normally create chances and give ourselves a very good chance to score.

"If you look back, not only at that game, but at the last four games when we've played United, I think it's a win for each club and two draws so I don't think it'll be a quiet game at Ewood.

"The atmosphere that we've been putting back into the ground of late has been excellent. I think it's probably one of the games the supporters look forward to year in, year out.

"We're playing against a team that's bang in form and I'm sure the fans will want to see us being the way we were the last couple of home games."

Source: PA

Source: PA