Manchester United will compete in the Europa League competition for the first time since 1995, but Europe's second-tier competition has not deterred Sir Alex Ferguson from fielding a strong lineup.

The boss welcomes back three key players for the first leg Europa League clash against Ajax in Amsterdam on Thursday night, including Phil Jones, Nani and Tom Cleverley - the latter making his first appearance since suffering an injury at Everton last October.

Fabio steps in for the emotionally drained Patrice Evra, and will strongly be supported by Ashley Young on the left side. Nani steps in for Antonio Valencia, who is recently coming off the Barclays Premier League Player of the Month award for January, while Javier Hernandez starts ahead of Danny Welbeck to partner Wayne Rooney.

Ajax coach Frank De Boer believes the Dutchmen can topple the Premier League champions in what would be one of Europa's biggest blows.

The club legend has decided to start both Dmitry Bulykin and Miralem Sulejmani up front, where they will be supported by United target Christian Eriksen.

The full line-up's can be found below (manutd.com):

Ajax: Vermeer; Anita, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Koppers; de Jong, Aissati, Eriksen; Ozbiliz, Bulykin, Sulejmani. Subs: Cillessen, Boilesen, Blind, Lodeiro, Serero, van Rhijn, Lukoki.

United: De Gea; Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Fabio; Nani, Carrick, Cleverley, Young; Rooney, Hernandez. Subs: Amos, Smalling, Park, Pogba, Scholes, Valencia, Welbeck.

Kick off: 18:00 GMT