Surprise ... Becks and Scholes fit again

'We caught them at the right time last year, in the middle of Champions League matches and the like, and we were probably bottom of their list of priorities.

'I don't think Sir Alex will let that happen again. Their team has been fairly settled recently, although that is also partly because they don't have so many options with injuries.'

With Beckham and Scholes not 100 per cent fit, Allardyce is hoping United could be vulnerable because of the demands on them at club and international level.

He added: 'United have had a demanding time with Premiership fixtures and Champions League qualifiers. I hope they are a little fatigued and we can take advantage.

'They have had a massive schedule and they have also had players off on international duty around the place, so we have got to look at that factor.'

Rio Ferdinand and Nicky Butt did represent England, while Mikael Silvestre turned out for France and Ryan Giggs starred for Wales. It is a handicap Allardyce is happy to avoid.

The Bolton boss had only two men on international duty - goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen on the bench for Finland and France Under 21 defender Bernard Mendy, who will be a substitute at best against United.

Allardyce said: 'Most clubs say their training grounds are deserted on international weeks, but we have been able to work hard. I already know my team.'

Ferguson has also come into conflict with new France coach Jacques Santini, who was informed that Fabien Barthez was unavailable for the European Championship qualifier-with Cyprus, only to see the goalkeeper make a surprise return from hip and thigh injuries against Boro.

The two managers exchanged words last month before Santini's first game in charge against Tunisia, according to Silvestre, who admitted he would have benefited from sitting out the Middlesbrough game and having a rest with an important international against Cyprus just four days later.

The defender said: 'Mr Santini had a little trouble with Mr Ferguson, who wanted me to play only one half against Tunisia. They had a talk in French and in English through my mobile phone.

'Mr Santini allowed me to play with Manchester last Tuesday. Now I must admit, if I hadn't played, I would have been in better form against Cyprus.

'The player must not have a conflict of interests between the club and the international team.'

Meanwhile, Silvestre is confident of agreeing a new four-year deal to stay at Old Trafford.

The left back has become a key member of Ferguson's side after a shaky start, although his position would have been under threat had Julien Escude completed his proposed move from Rennes.

Silvestre confirmed: 'We are still in talks. I want to extend the contract and the club want me to stay.

'It is not settled, but I hope it will be very quickly. It's not very nice to wait.'