Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore says Sir Alex Ferguson is within his rights to field a weakened side against Hull on Sunday.
United have nothing to play for against The Tigers having been crowned Premier League champions for the 11th time last weekend.
But with a Champions League final against Barcelona looming large on Wednesday, Ferguson is expected to rest key players ahead of the European showdown.
Sunday’s result could prove crucial at the foot of the table, however, with Hull battling against Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough to secure their Premier League survival.
Scudamore told BBC Radio: "You can't alter the fact they've won the league and they've got the most significant game the following Wednesday against Barcelona.
"You have to be realistic: they've got a squad, and therefore you can't argue that they deploy the benefit of that squad in a game on Sunday."
But Scudamore insists United will not be taking it easy against The Tigers no matter what side they field.
"They are the most professional of professional football clubs," he said.
"Sir Alex Ferguson's going to put a team out that he intends to win that game on Sunday."