Manchester United will wait for a fitness check on signing Juan Sebastian Veron before naming the team for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Aston Villa.
David Beckham looks set to continue his exile on the bench if the Argentinean shakes off a slight knee injury he aggravated during Wednesday's 3-1 win over Newcastle.
If Veron fails the test Beckham could start his second game since December 1st, having been a substitute for most of United's six-match winning streak.
Ferguson said: "It's difficult because David is a great player, but the midfield has been doing terrifically. How I can go to Nicky Butt and say 'look Nicky you have been fantastic over the last six or seven games, but I'm leaving you out'?
"Unfortunately David is going to have to wait a bit but when he comes back we know what he is capable of".
Ferguson will wait until after training tomorrow before making his decsision.
He is reluctant to make changes but could bring back young Waterford centre-half John O'Shea who has recovered from a groin injury. If he does, Gary Neville would be most likely to move to right full-back in place of brother Phil.
Ryan Giggs has been ruled out with a slight hamstring injury.