Ferguson wants to bring Roy Keane back to Man Utd!

New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry better be careful if he is selected for the MLS All-Stars side this summer.

The Frenchman is likely to be included in the team which takes on Manchester United in July but the Red Devils boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, says that he will meet his match.

Fergie quipped that he was set to bring back former United hardman Roy Keane to take on Henry at the Red Bull Arena for the much-anticipated meeting.

“We have a special plan to sort Henry out. I’m bringing Roy Keane back,” Ferguson said.

There was also some other banter between the two big names of the game with Henry revealing that Fergie was raving about the impressive Red Bull Arena.

“He was more than amazed with the stadium. As he said, the most important thing is that this stadium is a football stadium,” said Henry, who believes the match will be a complete success.

"It is a great one, so hopefully people are going to come and see the game and see Man United coming into town and hopefully we can have a good one.”

Ferguson: Retirement? That is for young people

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed talk of retirement.

Even if United win a record 19th league title this season and another treble, Fergie insists he won’t retire.

“I think retirement is for young people,” he said. “They can do something.

“If you’ve got your fitness, you’ve not got a problem. If you have got your health, you don’t have a problem.”

De Boer would love to bring Man Utd keeper Van der Sar back to Ajax

Ajax coach Frank de Boer would love to bring Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar back to the club.

De Boer would like to add Van der Sar to his coaching staff next season.

"We have to bring back our legends," said De Boer. "So we will have to see if we can create a job for him.

"The man is among the best sportsman and also a wonderful person. Edwin can always be of use for Ajax."

Man Utd monitoring Valencia attacker Juan Mata

Manchester United are being linked with Valencia midfielder Juan Mata.

The Spain international signed a new deal with Los Che earlier this season, but could be sold to help balance the books.

Barcelona and United are interested in Mata, who can play as a winger and centrally in midfield.

United scouts saw Mata score for Spain against Lithuania earlier this week.

Man Utd tempts Inter Milan president Moratti to cash in on keen Sneijder

Manchester United's pursuit of Inter Milan ace Wesley Sneijder is gathering pace.

Milan sources say since it emerged over the weekend that United would bid for the Dutchman, it's been revealed Sneijder is attracted to the prospect of moving to Old Trafford.

Family members last year admitted Sneijder had long-term ambitions of moving to United.

And manager Sir Akex's bid for the midfielder would make business sense for Inter president Massimo Moratti.

It's claimed talk of a €35 million offer for Sneijder has not been plucked out of the air. It is exactly twice the amount Moratti paid Real Madrid for the midfielder in 2009.

Agent of Atletico Madrid keeper De Gea admits Man Utd talks

The agent of Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea has confirmed talks with Manchester United.

United and Atletico are said to have spoken over the weekend about the youngster.

Hector Rincon told sport.co.uk: “Well, we did have talks with Manchester United but, first of all, they always look for an agreement with the club.

“Anyway, most of the biggest European teams have shown interest in David de Gea.”

He added: "What I can tell you is that his release clause now is €20 million, but I have no idea if the club would sell him for less.

"Right now, the player has a contract with Atletico Madrid and if Manchester United or any other team want him they will have to reach an agreement or pay the whole release clause.”

Man Utd boss Ferguson alerted as Marchisio ponders Juventus exit

Claudio Marchisio is ready to leave Juventus.

The Italy midfielder is fed-up with the lack of progress over new contract talks, says Tuttosport.

Sir Alex is a big admirer of Marchisio, who could move to Old Trafford as a replacement for the injury-plagued Owen Hargreaves.

Marchisio has also been linked with Chelsea in the past.

Juventus have acknowledged that Marchisio's new status should earn him a pay rise, but they're reluctant to meet the midfielder's demands and the two parties are still far away from reaching an agreement.

Man Utd sign the new Dunga: Rafael Leao joins on-loan

Manchester United have signed Brazilian youngster Rafael Leao.

He joins on loan from their Brazilian feeder academy Desportivo Brasil and United have the option to make the move permanent, says theDaily Mail.

Leao, a tough-tackling midfielder who has been compared to 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga, turns 18 next week and will train with the United academy for the rest of the season.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the move is subject to a work permit.

Ferguson reveals plans to buy three new players!!!

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he will be seeking to buy this summer.

Ferguson was asked about his transfer plans during yesterday's media conference announcing their preseason tour of the USA.

Ferguson said: “We have certain targets in mind at the moment anyway. I think two or three will be fulfilled, there’s no question about that.

“The Glazer family have always been very supportive of our desires to improve the team.”

The manager went on to talk about the club’s track record of acquiring top young players and developing them at Old Trafford.

“What we are good at is bringing young players to the club, like Chicharito for example. If you look at how, over the last six to eight years, we’ve brought in young players like Ronaldo, Rooney – okay, one was seventeen, the other was eighteen – we’re good at that. I don’t see why we should change from what we’re good at.

“We will continue [to buy players], without question, and when the opportunity does arrive and we identify the right young players, that’s the way we’ll go.”

Berbatov keen to play out career at Man Utd - agent

Dimitar Berbatov wants to play out his career at Manchester United.

The agent of Berbatov, Emil Dantchev, insists talk of a move away is wide of the mark.

He told TMW: "My client, although this obviously depends not only on him, would be happy to close his career in Manchester.

"Has there have been requests from foreign clubs? This is news that I refuse to comment on, I only say that even if there was a club interested in him, I doubt they would have the financial means to meet the demands of his current club."

Ferguson may cash in on Gibson and Kuszczak but hold onto Bebe.

Sir Alex Ferguson is weighing up cashing in on midfielder Darron Gibson and Tomasz Kuszczak.

The Manchester Evening News says the probability is that Fergie’s rebuilding work will be concentrated on the midfield and that could further damage Gibson’s chances.

He’s one of the few of the possible departures who could land the Reds some decent money.

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has urged Gibson to leave United for the sake of his international career.

The signing of Anders Lindegaard from Aalesunds and the pursuit of an established number one suggests the writing is clearly on the wall for Kuszczak.

At 29 Kuszczak won’t want to be a deputy for a sixth season at Old Trafford next year.

Clubs from Turkey and Russia are keen on the Pole.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to hold onto Bebe next season.

United paid Vitoria de Guimaraes a reported £7.4 million for Bebe, who never played a game for the Portuguese club.

He’s had just one season, United wouldn’t get a return on the fee they paid, so the 20-year-old is likely to be given another year.

Since his move, Bebe has become a regular in the Portugal U21 squad.

Revealed: Man Utd signed David De Gea for €20 million. Waiting for health check only!

Manchester United have struck terms with Atletico Madrid for goalkeeper David De Gea, it has been revealed.

Sport says the deal is all but done for the 20 year-old shot-stopper, who will move to Old Trafford for €20 million.

Talks were held between the two clubs in England yesterday. Both Atletico and De Gea have approved the transfer.

De Gea now only needs to pass a medical and for all contracts to be signed for the deal to be closed.

Atletico chose to cash in on De Gea as they need funds to carry out their plans of a major squad overhaul in the summer.

Man Utd boss Ferguson shuts door on Sunderland over Welbeck and says Cleverley has Old Trafford future

Sir Alex Ferguson has shut the door on Danny Welbeck returning to Sunderland next season and is delighted with Tom Cleverley's progress at Wigan Athletic.

Welbeck has been outstanding on-loan at the Black Cats this term.

"Cleverley has done very well, particularly in his spell at Watford and then at Wigan. he has improved in each case and he is going to be a top player."

"They will come back into the first-team squad and they will get plenty of games next season," he told United's official website.

"They are part of the band of young players coming through at this club. They will all come back in.

"At that point, we will then review our squad because that's the important thing. But we will always put players out on loan.

"Welbeck has been fantastic, it's just unfortunate that he picked up a bad injury. But they will all be ready for next year."

Norwegian superkid Mats Moller Daehli makes Man Utd U18 debut

Norwegian prospect Mats Moller Daehli has made his U18 debut for Manchester United.

Daelhi featured in midfield as United defeated Newcastle United 2-1.

The 16 year-old moved to United late last year from Stabaek in a blaze of publicity.

Coaching staff at Stabaek have likened Daelhi to Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Xavi.

Bad news>>Man Utd ready to listen to offers for Obertan

Manchester United are expected to listen to offers for winger Gabriel Obertan.

The Frenchman has struggled at Premier League when handed a rare chance.

The Manchester Evening News says at £3m it was a worthwhile gamble for a young French international.

But after two years it doesn’t appear to have paid off for United or the player and he could be on his way.

FC Twente chairman confirms Man Utd partnership

FC Twente have confirmed they are now a partner club in Manchester United's network.

Up to five Brazilians could be 'parked' by United at Twente in order for them to qualify for UK work permits.

The Enschede club would have to agree to the moves and chairman Joop Munsterman said: "Our technical staff will determine whether a player is good enough to come to Twente and also whether he plays or not.

"Manchester United will not interfere.’"

How Scotland stars inspired Man Utd Da Silva twins to take up football

Manchester United fans have Scotland to thank for getting the Da Silva twins into football.

Fabio and Rafael da Silva now making their way at Old Trafford.

And Rafael told the Scottish Sun: "Of course, I remember we played Scotland in the World Cup in France in 1998.

"It was a good game. I was at home watching on TV.

"I was very young but I remember it very well. I always watched as much football as I could when I was a kid so I loved this match.

"It was a very hard game for Brazil. In fact I was a little bit worried that Scotland could win and damage my country's hopes.

"Brazil led 1-0 but we all knew that Scotland had a very good team.

"I had just started to understand everything about football back then.

"Fabio and I always played football from the start, since we were five.

"To be honest, it wasn't a brilliant neighbourhood but it was normal. A poor Rio neighbourhood.

"It was very different from the UK and football was the only thing we would do. But that game against Scotland was one of the ones that made me think: Yes, one day I want to play at that level."

Arsenal legend Adams risks fans wrath: Man Utd will win title

Arsenal legend Tony Adams says Manchester United will beat his old club to the Premier League title.

Adams, who now coaches in Azerbaijan, believes United have too much know-how for Arsene Wenger's team.

He told Yahoo!: "My heart says the Arsenal but my head says United, they’ve just got too many players who’ve won it before.

"When you have done it and you’ve crossed the line, you know when to peak and when not to peak and when to win games.

"Once you’ve done it once, you know when to step up to the plate."

Ferdinand back early to boost Man Utd Treble prospects

Rio Ferdinand is being lined up for a return before the end of the season at Manchester united.

The Guardian says Ferdinand could give Sir Alex a considerable boost in his quest to guide Manchester United to the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble by making an early return from a calf injury after flying to Germany to see the leading specialist, Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt, for treatment this week.

Ferdinand visited Müller-Wohlfahrt, the club doctor at Bayern Munich whose previous clients include Steven Gerrard, the now retired Brazilian striker Ronaldo and Usain Bolt, on Monday for what is understood to have been an injection in his back to try to solve the calf problem he suffered in United's league match against Aston Villa on 1 February.

It is now thought that the player hopes to be back running soon. He is under medical supervision at United and the club's next game after the international break, the visit to West Ham United on Saturday week, may come too soon.

But, if Ferdinand does respond positively to treatment, then there would be real hope he could be fit to face Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final, in the second leg on 12 April, before the FA Cup semi-final against Man.City at Wembley four days later.

Chicharito urging Man Utd to take look at fellow Mexican Ochoa.

Javier Hernandez is urging Manchester United to take a look at Mexico teammate Guillermo Ochoa.

Chicharito believes Ochoa could be the man to succeed Edwin van der Sar as United's new first-choice goalkeeper next season.

Ochoa came close to joining Fulham in January and remains with Club America.

United boss Sir Alex knows all about Ochoa and had him scouted extensively three years ago.

van der Sar to remain at Man Utd in off-field role! Good news!

Edwin van der Sar may move into an off-field role when he retires from playing at the end of the season.

The 40-year old Dutchman will close the curtain on an exceptional career when the 2010/11 campaign finishes but insists he will not yet return to former club Ajax Amsterdam despite promising he would.

“I'm not going back to Amsterdam, though it would be very comfortable there with Frank de Boer, Danny Blind and Dennis Bergkamp," said Van der Sar of his former Ajax team-mates,” he told Dutch magazine Life After Football.

"When I left 12 years ago, I said I would return, but I did not know then what great years I would have with Manchester United.

"I might occasionally visit training with them, but I will not be going regularly.

“It may be that I'm going to give Manchester United clinics in Asia, where the club is very popular, or something in commerce," he added.

"I think this is interesting. I have already held some talks."

The five red hot Brazilian starlets on pre-contract with Man Utd!

Manchester United have been running the rule over five Brazilian starlets this week.

The quintet have arrived from United's Brazilian partner club Desportivo Brasil.

The Daily Mail says confidentiality agreements prevent Desportivo Brasil from revealing which of their 100-plus teenagers have a pre-contract agreement with United, but it' been revealed that the five players who were spotted at Old Trafford are called Gladstony, Aguilar, Lucas Evangelista, Agnaldo and Rafael Leao.

The five are now visiting Dutch champions Twente, who United plan to use as a holding club for the boys to gain European Union passports.

Striker Aguilar, who was 16 a fortnight ago but was called up by Brazil’s Under 17 squad for training in January.

Aguilar was signed by Belo Horizonte side Cruzeiro in 2009. However, because contracts are not valid before a player’s 16th birthday, Desportivo Brasil were able to take him to Porto Feliz a year ago, prompting an angry reaction from Cruzeiro president Zeze Perrella.

Aguilar’s former coach Joao Paulo Tardim said: "There is no doubt about his quality. Saying he will become a great player is an exercise in predicting the future, but the chances of it happening are very high."

Traffic helping Man Utd uncover the best of South American talent!

Manchester United's arrangement with football management firm Traffic isn't restricted to the Brazilian market.

The Traffic-owned Desportivo Brasil will host young players from across South America in order to groom them for moves to United.

Traffic's president of international business Jochen Losch told the Daily Mail: "Manchester United look for young players in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. If they find a good one they come to us. We’ll get the player, register him with Desportivo Brasil, and we have a contract with United that they have an option to buy this player at 18 for a fixed amount.

"If the guy turns out to be an Alexandre Pato (the striker who left Internacional for AC Milan for nearly £20million on his 18th birthday) United can still have him for a huge discount because of course we’ll honour the contract. If they don’t like the player, we keep him."

Ferguson spends £3M to land 16yo Chilean Angelo Henriquez

Sir Alex Ferguson has beaten some of Europe's biggest clubs to land Chile starlet Angelo Henriquez in a £3million swoop.

Boss Sir Alex has teed up the deal for the 16-year-old South American sensation, who will sign shortly for the Red Devils – pipping rivals from around the globe.

The youngster has already been to United for training, but now an agency – working for the club – has agreed terms, says the Mirror.

United are using the same Brazilian firm who brought Rafael and Fabio da Silva to the club. The youngster, who plays for Universidad de Chile, is starring in the South American Under-17 Championship.

Man Utd have £165M put aside for Ferguson transfer plans! Can you believe this bullshit?

Manchester United director Joel Glazer insists they have money to spend big in the summer market.

Sir Alex's summer transfer war chest will not be damaged despite the club's parent company Red Football Joint Venture announcing losses 108.9M.

The club's controversial American owners – the Glazer family - set up Red Football in 2005 to finance the Old Trafford takeover.

United director Joel Glazer yesterday tried to reassure fans by saying the club has “sufficient cash reserves...for investment in the playing squad,” despite the latest figures filed a Companies House which were for the 12 months ending June 30, 2010.

It is understood the Reds have £165m in the bank for Ferguson to strengthen his squad.

Thiago Silva happy with Man Utd rumours

AC Milan defender Thiago Silva is flattered by interest from Manchester United.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is considering the Brazil international as cover for the injury-plagued Rio Ferdinand.

"It's great to have my name linked with a club like Manchester United, which currently is one of the landmarks of European football," said Thiago Silva.

"Without doubt, I am having a very good career and hope to continue progressing.

"But the moment I will not stop thinking about the Italian Championship, which has become an obsession for me."

Giggs takes first coaching steps with Wales

Ryan Giggs is ready to help Wales coach Gary Speed ahead of their clash with England.

Giggs, who is taking his coaching badges, has travelled to Wales with his wife and children for a break during a gap in the Premier League calendar.

He said: “I spoke to Gary and he asked if there was any help I could give. I want what he wants – a successful Welsh team.

“But I won’t be taking my boots with me!”

Corry Evans wanted at Hull in permanent deal

Manchester United midfielder Corry Evans is wanted permanently by Hull City.

The People says Hull boss Nigel Pearson hopes to tie up a deal for Manchester United midfielder Evans, 20, younger brother of Jonny.

Evans has impressed on-loan at the KC this season.

The midfielder is also regarded highly at Old Trafford.

Ferguson wants to fast-track Oxlade-Chamberlain into first team

Manchester United boss Sir Alex has told Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain he has plans to play him next season.

The Mirror says United are ready to sign Southampton starlet Oxlade-Chamberlain in a £10million deal.

Arsenal thought they had Oxlade-Chamberlain lined up to follow in Theo Walcott's footsteps. But ironically the England wide man would block the kid's route into the side.

Fergie will encourage Oxlade-Chamberlain to think he would be brought through faster at Old Trafford.

Southampton are keen to have the youngster back on loan if they sell him, but United plan to use him quickly- with a squad number and a first-team role for next season.

Both the player and his dad want to be involved in talks and Fergie hopes to tie up a deal in the next few weeks.

United will offer Saints 5M up front and double that money on appearance, with the bonuses paid in reasonable time. The whole package will be the biggest paid for a teenager.

Man Utd linked as Menez prepares for Roma exit

Jeremy Menez is ready to leave AS Roma after falling out with coach Vincenzo Montella.

He has been linked with Manchester United and left the door wide open for a move away from the Olimpico.

Menez told L'Equipe: “My departure is possible. There are three and a half months left and then we’ll see. I have been playing here for three years, but in order to do well I have to feel people have confidence in me and that I’m important for the club.

“I haven’t been given anywhere near as much help as others here. I want them to understand that Roma will regret their decisions down the line.”

Brazilian midfielder Rafael Leao tracked by Manchester United

Brazilian midfielder Rafael Leao is being tracked by Manchester United.

Leao, 17, is on the books of Desportivo Brasil, which are run by Traffic - a management firm with a partnership arrangement with United.

The defensive midfielder has caught the eye while playing for Desportivo and was invited to England by United so the club's coaches could take a further look at him.

Leao was in Manchester last week and has trained at the club as part of United's partnership with Traffic.

Reps for Roma star De Rossi approach Man Utd!

Manchester United have been approach from the representatives of AS Roma midfield ace Daniele de Rossi.

The Independent says the representatives of Roma's gifted central midfielder De Rossi are understood to have made Manchester United aware of his availability next season, as he contemplates removing his family from the city where his father-in-law was murdered and he is now understood to be the victim of a blackmail campaign.

De Rossi has a year to run on his £60,000-a-week contract at Roma but though he is the vice captain of the side and plays in the city where he was born and bred, there is an increasing sense that one of the more established talents in Italy will be at the centre of one of the most intriguing transfer stories of the summer.

Though reports from Spain yesterday suggested that Real Madrid may have an interest in a £20m-rated player, the approach to United lends credence to the view that he favours a radical change of scene after the events of the past two years.

Man Utd finalising deal for teenage Chile striker

Manchester United are ready to dip into the Chilean transfer market.

United boss Sir Alex confessed his admiration for Chilean players earlier this season - admitting interest in Udinese star Alexis Sanchez and also his admiration for Marcelo Salas.

The Daily Mail says United are currently outlining a deal for 16-year-old Chilean striker Angelo Henriquez from Universidad de Chile.

Henriquez is a Chile U17 international.

Man Utd intermediaries tell Mourinho he must wait 12 months (at least) to succeed Fergie

Jose Mourinho knows he must wait 12 months - at least - to succeed Sir Alex at Manchester United.

The Mail on Sunday says he has been told that his dream job of replacing Ferguson at Old Trafford will have to wait for at least another year.

That the Scot intends to stay on for at least another year will be welcome news at Old Trafford but it could mean United missing out on a manager who is among the most qualified to succeed him.

One Premier League source said: "Jose has learned that Ferguson has no intention of retiring in the foreseeable future."

Douglas Costa spotted at Old Trafford amid rumours of renewed interest

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson took a step towards making his first major signing of the year by inviting £15million Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Douglas Costa  to yesterday's game against Bolton at Old Trafford.

The appearance could be seen as the renewal of Sir Alex Ferguson's admiration for the player almost two years after he first tried to sign him from Brazilian club Grêmio.

Like Ronaldinho, another former member of the Porta Alegre club, Costa is also an attacking midfielder with pace and dribbling panache who can be utilised on either wing or up front as a second striker. 

It is thought, though, that securing a work visa for the Brazilian would be difficult as the 20-year-old is yet to make his full international debut despite starring for his country at Under-20 level.

Shakhtar are also believed to be keen to make a stout profit on the player, as Costa's advisers reportedly understand the club values their star at £20 million.

Costa has drawn interest from Old Trafford since he was 16, but with four years left on his contract in Ukraine, the United board would have to sanction a sizeable transfer fee.

Complete list of Manchester United's injured stars - and when they are expected to return

Manchester United safely progressed to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 2-1 win over Marseille, but the win came at a cost as defenders John O'Shea and Rafael Da Silva both suffered hamstring injuries.

Manchester United chase the treble approaching the end of the season and Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping his injury problems clear up as his squad is short of options with injuries to 11 first-team players.

Have a looks at the injuries that have hit the squad and when the sidelined stars may be fit to return to first-team action...

Jonny Evans

Injury: Evans has missed United's last eight games after injuring his calf in the 2-1 defeat to Wolves in February.

Ferguson revealed the Northern Ireland defender returned to training at the start of the week and should be ready to return on Saturday.

Return date: March 19, 2011 - Bolton (H)

Ji-Sung Park

Injury: The winger has been out of action since February 11 after he injured his hamstring in training.

The 30-year-old has been out for five weeks but has made good progress according to Ferguson.

The boss told the club's official website: "[Park] is making good progress now and hopefully we'll have him back by Saturday."

Return date: March 19, 2011 - Bolton (H)


Michael Owen

Injury: The former England international has been sidelined with a groin injury since the FA Cup win over Southampton at the end of Januray.

The ex-Liverpool striker has returned to training and was thought to be in contention for a place on the bench against Marseille but was overlooked by Ferguson.

Owen is yet another player on the fringes of the squad working his way back to full fitness and could feature against Bolton at the weekend.

Return date: March 19, 2011 - Bolton (H)


Nemanja Vidic

Injury: The Manchester United captain sustained a calf injury during the side's 2-0 FA Cup win over rivals Arsenal. 

The Serbian defender was not risked by Ferguson in the Champions League win over Marseille because if he played he could have made the injury worse and missed three weeks of the season.

Some reports have suggested Vidic will miss United's next three Premier League games anyway because of the injury, but Ferguson will monitor his skipper's progress daily before making a decision.

Return date: Manchester United have not specified a return date for the influential defender but he is receiving constant treatment for the injury. 



Rio Ferdinand

Injury: The England defender is a real concern for Ferguson as he has been missing for six weeks since injuring his calf in the warm-up at Wolves on February 5.

Ferdinand was only expected to be missing for a fortnight but has now missed nine games since sustaining the injury.

Ferdinand is back running in training and is being monitored daily by medical staff and is expected to miss England's game against Wales at the Millennium Stadium, but could feature in United's first match after the international break.

Return date: April 2, 2011 - West Ham United (A)


Anderson

Injury: The Brazilian midfielder suffered a serious knee injury in Manchester United's 1-0 win over non-league Crawley Town back in February.

The 22-year-old is expected to be sidelined for two months following his second considerable knee injury in a year.

Return date: 23 April, 2011 - Everton (H)

Anders Lindegaard

Injury: The Danish goalkeeper has been ruled out of action for five weeks after it was confirmed he will undergo knee surgery on Thursday.

Return date: April 23, 2011 - Everton (H)

Darren Fletcher

Injury: The Scottish international has been laid low with illness since dropping down to the bench for the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

The midfielder has since missed his sides clashes with Arsenal in the FA Cup and Marseille in the Champions League.

Return date: There has been nothing said on the illness and no date set for a return. If he recovers in time he could feature against Bolton at the weekend, but more likely he could return for Scotland when they take on Brazil at the Emirates Stadium on March 27.


John O'Shea

Injury: The Irish international pulled up with a hamstring injury during Tuesday's Champions League win over Marseille. 

He was replaced just before half-time by Rafael and the injury will be assessed more thoroughly in the coming days.

Return date: No date has been set as United wait the outcome of a scan on the injury. O'Shea could be sidelined for anything up to three weeks.

Rafael Da Silva

Injury: The full-back replaced John O'Shea in the 2-1 over Marseille but did not last long on the field as the hamstring injury curse struck again.

The 20-year-old left the field on a stretcher after being on the field for 32 minutes.

Return date: United will assess the injury today but the full-back could also be out for up to three weeks depending on the scale of the hamstring injury.

Owen Hargreaves

Injury: The midfielder made his first start in two years in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Wolves back in November but he managed only 10 minutes after picking up a hamstring injury.

The 30-year-old is due to return to training at the start of next week but Ferguson will be cautious over his involvement in the run-in. It was revealed earlier this month that Hargreaves will not be offered a new contract at the end of the season, raising the very real possibility that he may not play for the Red Devils again. 

Return date: There has been no return date pencilled in for Hargreaves at the moment but he will be monitored daily as he steps up his recovery. However, Ferguson has said he is hopeful the England international can have an impact on the run-in to the season.