Sir Alex Ferguson is getting ready to hand Senegal striker Mame Biram Diouf his Manchester United debut.

Diouf was signed from Norwegian club Molde in the summer but has only just been able to link up with the Old Trafford outfit as he was allowed to remain with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's old club on loan until the end of their domestic campaign.

The 22-year-old has impressed in training though and, after having a work permit granted for Diouf, United have also now received international clearance.

While Ferguson will not necessarily include Diouf in his squad for Saturday's trip to Birmingham, the fact he has already allocated his newest recruit the number 32 shirt formerly worn by Carlos Tevez means it is at least a possibility.

"He has adapted very well to our training regime and has looked very impressive," said Ferguson. "He is quick, very good in the air and a good striker of the ball. Overall, he is a really good centre-forward and he will play a part this season."