Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has left Wayne Rooney on the bench for his side's Champions League clash against Real Madrid this evening.

The striker is replaced by Danny Welbeck in the lineup, with winger Nani also starting the second leg of the last-16 tie for the Red Devils.

Ryan Giggs will make his 1000th senior competitive appearance tonight as he has been included in the United team.

Meanwhile, Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has opted to play Gonzalo Higuain instead of Karim Benzema upfront.

Cristiano Ronaldo plays at Old Trafford for the first time since leaving United for Madrid in the summer of 2009.

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

Real Madrid: Lopez; Arbeloa, Varane, Ramos, Coentrão; Alonso, Khedira, Di María, Özil, Ronaldo; Higuain
Subs: Adan, Pepe, Albiol, Kaka, Modric, Callejon, Benzema