United will be in action on December 21 in Yokohama whether their win or lose their semi-final match three days previously.

Already, the Red Devils' home game with Wigan, scheduled for December 20, has had to be postponed due to their participation in the seven-team tournament.

But Ferguson knew his side were due to face Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Boxing Day, only four days after their return from the Far East.

The United manager has previously hinted at leaving players at home to ensure they are fully prepared for the Stoke game, realising how drained the men who make the journey to Japan will be.

That scenario is even more likely now it has been confirmed United must kick-off at 12.45pm on Boxing Day after their game was brought forward a couple of hours by Sky TV.

At least United are not in action again until December 29, after fellow broadcasters Setanta chose to screen the Old Trafford encounter with Middlesbrough, scheduled for the previous day.

Not that Chelsea will feel much sympathy, given they must visit Everton on December 22, two days later than they originally anticipated, and only four days before they host West Brom at Stamford Bridge.

Other highlights chosen for live TV coverage are Chelsea's traditionally feisty London derby with West Ham on December 14, Arsenal's home game with Liverpool on December 21 and the return of Manchester City boss Mark Hughes to Blackburn on December 28.