Manchester United face Derby County for the third time this year as they contest the fifth round of the FA Cup at Pride Park on Sunday; the sides locked horns during the semi-final stages in the Carling Cup in January.

The Red Devils - who are still on course for an unprecedented clean sweep of all domestic silverware this season - have been given a boost by the news that key defenders Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Jonny Evans will all be fit and available for selection.

England understudy Phil Jagielka was called into action midweek for the Three Lions' Spain test as Ferdinand fell ill prior to kick-off. As a safety measure, Britain's most expensive defender was allowed to miss training at the club's Carrington ground on Thursday, but assistant boss Mike Phelan has confirmed he is fresh ahead of the weekend.

Patrice Evra has shaken off the foot injury incurred during the club's 3-0 trouncing of Chelsea in January, while Jonny Evans has recovered from an ankle knock sustained against Derby in the Carling Cup.

"There are a couple of days to go before the game yet, but Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra are training and theyre okay," assistant manager Mike Phelan told journalists at a press conference and is quoted by the club's website as saying.

"Rio came in on Thursday. He felt a bit better even though he didnt train, but we hope hell get some training today [Friday]."

Regarding Wayne Rooney's hamstring problems, Phelan added: "Were still assessing Wayne. Hes done a little bit of work but were not going to rush him. We have some big games coming up, so well ease him back in, but do it as quickly as we can.

"If hes available on Sunday, terrific. If not, well look at it for the next game against Fulham. We have numerous players in the squad that we can use if [he isnt ready for Sunday]. Well assess that on Saturday or Sunday."

Manchester United have already been beaten by Derby County once this year - in a 1-0 reverse in the League Cup in January - but they progressed to the final due to a 4-2 second leg win.

Promising young English manager Nigel Clough took the reins of the Rams at the start of the year, and his first game in charge was the loss against Queen's Park Rangers.

Clough, 42, has begun to ease himself into life in the east midlands though and has guided his side to three successive Championship wins.

The son of Nottingham Forest legend Brian has FA Cup pedigree against United; his Burton side held the Red Devils to a scoreless draw in 2006, before succumbing in the third round replay.

Phelan is aware of the threat the fixture can bring, and wants to avoid a further upset.

"We went into that game with a few players whod had a small break, and we didnt perform to our capabilities on the day. I think the result showed that they deserved the victory.

"But it was one of those cup competitions where you get two bites of the cherry. In a one-off FA Cup tie we cant afford to play like that.

"All being well, well have a full squad available this weekend. I expect it to be as passionate and hard a game as it was in January, but I think well be in a better frame of mind to play in this one," he concluded.