Manchester United's midfield will benefit from the big-match experience of David Beckham and Juan Sebastian Veron, but could be missing Nicky Butt, when they attempt to defend a two-goal lead in tomorrow's Champions League quarter final against Deportivo La Coruna.

Beckham and Veron have recovered from knocks to take their place in the absence of injured captain Roy Keane, and the suspended Paul Scholes, in the second leg at Old Trafford.

Beckham's recovery from a bruised ankle, injured by a late tackle from Diego Tristan in the first leg, was expected but Veron's return after a two-week absence is something of a bonus. "He couldn't be coming back at a more opportune time for us," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Argentine had treatment on a long-standing heel problem in Rome last week and is expected to play a key role, especially as Butt is a doubt because of a head injury.

Butt is still suffering from a migraine after taking a knock on his head during Saturday's win at Leicester, but Ferguson feels he should be better after another 24 hours and is hopeful he will be fit.

"He's had trouble with it in the past and it normally gives him a migraine," said Ferguson. "He trained for a little bit this morning, then had to go off - so he's a doubt at the moment.

"Hopefully by tomorrow it will have cleared because I see him as a very important player tomorrow night as he was in the last game."