Park elated to return

Ji-sung Park says he is delighted to be back in action for the Reds after making his first start and first appearance at Old Trafford for nine months.

The Korean midfielder came on as a substitute against Sunderland on Boxing Day, but he was handed a starting berth in the 1-0 win over Birmingham City.

The 26-year-old suffered a knee ligament injury against Blackburn Rovers in March 2007, but he admitted it was a satisfying feeling to run out at Old Trafford again.

“It is nice to be back,” he told MUTV. “I played for 75 minutes so that will give me confidence.

“My knee feels 100 per cent and after the game I felt no reaction, so I am not afraid of getting injured again.

“I am very impressed with the reception I got from the fans. I have been away from the pitch for nine months so for them to remember me is fantastic.”

Park missed United’s title run-in last season but he says that now he is back he hopes to influence the Reds’ defence of the Premier League crown.

“It was difficult being out for so long. But our players have done a great job in the league during that time so I am pleased with that. For me, it’s good to recover because I want to help this team continue to do well.

“This squad is even better than last season. We have a lot of very good players at this club. That will definitely help us for the rest of the campaign.”