Scholes nearing comeback

United have been given a welcome boost with the news that Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Louis Saha are all close to full fitness.

Owen Hargreaves has also recovered from a knock and is available for the Barclays Premier League trip to Reading on Saturday.

Scholes has been out of action since October after injuring knee ligaments before United's Champions League clash with Dynamo Kyiv. He returned to training over Christmas and will be checked out by United's medical team next Thursday.

If given the go-ahead, he will start full training and could be available for the FA Cup fourth round clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday week.

“We are waiting for clearance from the medical staff next Thursday," assistant manager Carlos Queiroz said on Friday.

“We think the medical staff will give Scholes clearance to start full training. If he does get the all-clear he can play immediately. It’s a possibility [he could be involved against Tottenham], or at least he will probably be on the bench.”

The influential midfielder has been training for a number of weeks now and is said to be in excellent shape. “His fitness is fantastic," added Carlos. "He’s training like an 18-year-old. He’s very excited, he can sense that he’ll be back soon."

Neville, meanwhile, could fly out with the squad to Saudi Arabia on Saturday evening for their four-day training camp.

The Reds' defender made his second comeback in the Reserves last week after ten months on the sidelines with ankle ligament trouble. He felt his hamstring in the match against Everton and was forced off at half time.

But Sir Alex Ferguson and his coaching staff will make a decision about the skipper after training on Friday. If he's left behind, he will play for the Reserves against Bolton next Wednesday.

Saha is also ahead of schedule in his race to overcome a knee complaint. The striker missed United's 6-0 demolition of Newcastle last weekend with the knock and the club confirmed he would be out for around three weeks.

But Queiroz says is a step ahead in his rehabilitation and is likely to be back "earlier than expected".

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Reds' recovery on track

United have received further good news on the injury front, as Mikael Silvestre and Ben Foster continue to make steady progress with their recoveries from long-term knocks.

The revelation comes just 24 hours after Gary Neville declared he now felt fit enough to play in a first-team match and Paul Scholes confirmed he was on track to return in late January or early February.

Sir Alex has been without French defender Silvestre since he damaged his knee against Everton in August, while goalkeeper Foster has been sidelined since May 2007, also with a knee problem, and is still to make his Reds debut.

But the manager told Manchester United Radio the duo are yet to suffer any setbacks in their recoveries.

“Mikael’s actually doing some of his recovery in France,” the Reds boss said. “That’s not a problem as far as we’re concerned because he’s such a dedicated professional and he’ll get the work done.

“Ben’s also coming along fine and he’s doing some goalkeeping work now. But we have to be careful with him. The specialist’s assessment is that because it was a graft into the knee – he’d injured his cruciate before – we have to stick rigidly to the plan of almost a year out of action.”

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Scholes itching to return

Sir Alex Ferguson can be certain he will be linked with a number of top transfer targets this month, but he can at least look forward to having one more world class player at his disposal in January.

Paul Scholes says he is on course to return at the end of the month to aid United’s Premier League title ambitions.

The influential 33-year-old midfielder has started running again after spending over two months on the sidelines following knee ligament surgery.

“I’ve started running now,” said Scholesy. “I’ve got these next few weeks to get as fit as I can, so hopefully I’ll be fresh when I come back. It’s a couple of months since the operation now and everything seems to be OK. I’m on track to return at the end of January or the start of February.”

Scholes sustained the injury during training before the Champions League Group F clash with Dynamo Kyiv in October. “I felt something during the training session but I managed to carry on,” he explained. “It was only really the next day that I thought there might be a problem and a scan showed that I had ruptured my lateral ligament in my knee, which is an injury that doesn’t often occur.”

It's not been an easy few months for Scholes, who admits he isn’t the best spectator. “It’s been frustrating for me,” he concedes. “I still see all the games, but it does get a bit boring just watching because all you want is to be out there playing. But I know that I have to be patient and hopefully I'll be back playing soon.”

The Salford-born midfielder will be looking at a possible return in the league matches against Portsmouth (30 Jan) and Tottenham (2 Feb) depending on how this next stage of his recovery goes.

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Rooney eyes happy return

Wayne Rooney will be aiming for a repeat performance on Saturday if he's fit to return at Villa Park, the ground where he scored twice in October.

The United forward has netted 10 goals since changing his shirt number to 10 and he regards his second in the 4-1 win against Aston Villa as one of his best to date.

Rooney told Inside United (The 10s issue): "My goal against Arsenal was probably my favourite so far, but other than that I'd say it was my second goal against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

"It was a good move, a nice ball from Tevez and I managed to slot it home. I always remember my goals. As soon as someone mentions a game in which you scored, you can see the goal immediately in your mind."

Mention the FA Cup to Wayne and he could be seeing five strikes from last year, including another double at Villa Park - in the semi-final against Watford. This term could yield more goals for Rooney, in all competitions, following his change of role.

“I’ve played further up front rather than in behind a main striker,” Wayne explains. “I’d probably say I’ve enjoyed that role more as I seem to get more chances. Hopefully that means I’ll end up with more goals.”

Read the full exclusive interview with Wayne in Inside United, out now.

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Tevez fears allayed

Carlos Tevez has sustained a badly bruised ankle after being carried off during United's narrow New Year's Day win over Birmingham.

The Argentine striker, scorer of the game's only goal, was substituted after 71 minutes, having suffered a heavy challenge late in the first half.

Despite fears that the injury could be serious, a club spokesperson told ManUtd.com: "Nothing is broken, Carlos Tevez has just got a badly bruised right ankle."

Sir Alex Ferguson has already confirmed Tevez is a major doubt for Saturday's FA Cup trip to Aston Villa, but the likely return of Wayne Rooney from a virus should provide timely compensation for the Argentine's absence.

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Injured duo on the road back

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that injured veterans Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are both recovering well from their long-term injuries.

Neville has been out of action with a damaged ankle since March, while Scholes needed knee surgery in October but the pair, who have made 1,088 United appearances between them, are on schedule to return.
"Gary Neville's training with the team," Sir Alex revealed. "What we need to do with Gary is get him a game. The Reserves league is closed down of course during the Christmas period, but once that starts up that's one avenue.

"We have to look about, maybe even practice matches and that sort of thing to get some more intensity into his training. Game situations will bring him on a good bit. We're happy with his progress, we're assured he's ok now and it's just a matter of getting him games."

While the return of club captain Neville would add further steel and experience to United's miserly backline, the Reds' forwards will be eagerly awaiting the comeback of midfield schemer Scholes.

"Paul's doing nice, easy running now," said Sir Alex. "That was the plan. He's out of the pot he was in and the time we set for him was roundabout February, and I don't think we'll be far off.

"Probably the middle of February to be on the safe side, but he's certainly doing very well."

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Park return on hold

A frozen pitch has waylaid plans for Ji-sung Park to line up for United's Reserves against Oldham Athletic on Wednesday afternoon.

The Korean international had been named in the Reds' starting line-up for the Lancashire Senior Cup clash, only for freezing weather at the Victoria Stadium to prompt the fixture's abandonment.

Park has been out of action since damaging cruciate knee ligaments against Blackburn Rovers in March, and Sir Alex Ferguson had suggested that he could be involved in the first team's festive fixture programme.

Unfortunately, the livewire midfielder will have to suffice with honing his game in training after the late postponement in Northwich.

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Reds set for Ji-sung spark

Ji-sung Park is ready to play a part in United’s title charge when his injury nightmare finally ends in the coming weeks.

The Korean star is poised to return to action during the busy festive period after almost nine months out with a knee injury, and he has set his sights on adding to his tally of seven goals for the Reds.

"My knee is fine,” he told ManUtd.kr. “It feels good and I don’t have any fear of pain. I have joined first-team training again and suffered no reaction.

“I am aiming to score when I return. If I score in my first two or three games back, I will gain confidence.

“Hopefully I can help the team as much as I can until the end of the season and we can win the title."

The 26-year-old winger suffered cruciate ligament damage against Blackburn in March and was forced to watch from the sidelines as the Reds reclaimed the Premier League crown in style.

Despite his excellent progress in recent weeks, Park knows he must not rush his comeback from such a serious injury.

“It will be up to the coaching staff and medical team when I return,” he said. “I’ve been out for eight months so I don’t want to rush back – I need time to get used to playing again.

“It has been frustrating to be injured for so long, but I’m looking forward to playing again and producing good performances.”

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Hargreaves fit for Anfield test

Owen Hargreaves is fit and ready to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday after overcoming a slight calf strain.

The 26-year-old midfielder was withdrawn from last weekend's 4-1 win over Derby County at Old Trafford after pulling up in the warm-up.

He didn't travel to Italy in midweek for the 1-1 draw with AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, but he will be available for the crunch clash with Rafael Benitez's men.

Hargreaves' energy, defensive qualities and passing ability could be crucial on Sunday, and one of his main tasks could be to stifle Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

Sir Alex Ferguson will also have John O'Shea fit for the match after injuring his groin against Roma in midweek.

"Everyone is fit," said Sir Alex. "John O'Shea is ok after a couple of days' rest." Read More..

Scholesy on schedule

Paul Scholes' recovery from a knee operation is on schedule and, according to Sir Alex Ferguson, the midfielder will be able to resume full training in six weeks.

The veteran star has been out of action since suffering cartilage damage ahead of United's Champions League trip to face Dynamo Kyiv.

"He went to see the specialist last week," revealed Sir Alex. "He's going to start straightforward running next week.

"All being well, he'll be back in full training with us in six weeks' time."

If Sir Alex's timeline proves accurate, Scholes could be available for selection when Portsmouth visit Old Trafford on Wednesday, 30 January. Read More..

Calf strain ruled Owen out

Owen Hargreaves suffered a slight calf strain in the warm-up before the 4-1 win over Derby.

The Reds midfielder was named in the starting line-up but was replaced by Michael Carrick shortly before kick-off.

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed after the match that he didn't want to take any chances with the 26-year-old's fitness.

"Owen had a slight strain in his calf in the warm-up," said the boss.

"We can't take chances at this time of year with the number of games we have in December, so we withdrew him and brought Michael Carrick in."

Fortunately, the injury does not seem serious and Sir Alex will be hopeful the combative midfielder will be available for selection against Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday.

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Neville suffers fresh setback

Sir Alex Ferguson will have no further injury worries ahead of Derby County's but he has been hit with a major blow after it was confirmed Gary Neville has suffered another injury setback.

The United skipper has not played in the first team since March after damaging ankle ligaments against Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford.

It had been thought he was close to making his first-team return against AS Roma on Wednesday. But that will not now be the case as United wait anxiously for results from a specialist.

"Unfortunately, Gary has had another setback," the manager confirmed at his Friday press conference. "It's very disappointing.

"He went to see a specialist about his ankle injury on Thursday but we have not had the results back yet."
Sir Alex maintains that Neville's injury problems are not career threatening.
"It is not getting serious," he said. "He just keeps getting niggling injuries. It is a concern that he gets small setbacks every time he gets ready to play. We need to sort it out and get him back as soon as possible."

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Rooney ready for Fulham

Wayne Rooney is back in full training and on course to be return against Fulham at Old Trafford on Monday.

The 22-year-old striker will make a welcome return after injuring his ankle in training before the 2-0 defeat of Blackburn earier this month.

United missed Rooney's potency in front of goal during the 1-0 defeat against Bolton at the weekend, but as the Reds look to get back to winning ways he is set to make a rapid comeback.

"Wayne's making good progress," Sir Alex said after United's 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.

"He did some running last week and he has resumed training this week.

"We are looking at him making his comeback against Fulham."

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Scholes' Surgery A Success

Sir Alex has allayed fears Paul Scholes' recent knee injury could threaten the midfielder's career.

Scholes, who turns 33 on Friday 16 November, damaged his knee during a training session in Kyiv last month. An initial scan was inconclusive before a second confirmed the need for surgery and three months' rest.

"Paul has had his operation and it was 100 per cent successful," the Reds' boss told United Radio.

"The specialist said the condition of his knee is fantastic… he's got the knee of a 20-year-old. We're losing him for three months but the great news is there's nothing stopping him from playing for a few years yet.

"In January he'll come back as a fresh player, at an important time when we've got the knockout stages of Europe and the FA Cup to think about. Remember the last time he came back after his eye injury – it was like having a new player." Read More..

Boss Rues "Freak Accident"

Sir Alex admits losing Wayne Rooney to injury is "sickening", especially given the striker's recent form.
Rooney's scored eight times in United's last seven games but has now been ruled out for four weeks following an ankle injury sustained in training on Friday.

"It was an absolute freak accident," the Reds' boss told Manchester United Radio. "He was playing a game of head tennis and he caught his foot on the stanchion that holds up the net. It's a sickening blow but hopefully he'll be back in four weeks.

"He's been in red-hot form recently, but that's football. He'll miss our games against Blackburn and Bolton and it's obviously a big loss for England too. I think Rooney was the man who could take England to the European championships."

Rooney's injury came within hours of Sir Alex's announcement that French forward Louis Saha would be used sparingly from the bench in the coming weeks. But with the Reds' no.10 now sidelined, Saha will now be expected to step into the breach and partner Carlos Tevez up front.

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Rooney Out For A Month

Wayne Rooney will be out of action for up to four weeks after injuring his ankle in training on Friday.
The striker will miss Sunday's match against Blackburn Rovers, although the forthcoming international break means he could miss as little as three further games, against Bolton, Sporting Lisbon and Fulham.
Sir Alex is hopeful of having the 22-year-old striker ready for action for the trip to Anfield on 16 December.
A club spokesperson told ManUtd.com: "Wayne Rooney injured his right ankle in training and will be out for about four weeks."
It is even more frustrating considering Rooney's scintillating form since overcoming a fractured metatarsal sustained on the opening day of the season.
He has only just been named Barclays Player of the Month for October, having netted eight goals in his last seven games.

Sir Alex had said earlier on Friday that he wants to use Louis Saha sparingly and from the substitutes' bench, but he will now be forced to call on the Frenchman as Carlos Tevez's regular strike-partner. Read More..