Sir Alex Vows To Keep Hargreaves

Sir Alex Ferguson has quashed rumours that Manchester United want to sell injury-hit midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

The England star has been sidelined by tendinitis in his knee for long periods since arriving at Old Trafford from Bayern Munich last year for £18m.

"For Owen's sake it is important we say he is not for sale," said Ferguson. "It is not even under consideration."

Hargreaves, 27, has played in just two games so far this season and is nowhere near being ready to return to action.

Ferguson said: "It is a good story, the fact he has been injured a few times since he has been at the club.

"But United people remember what a contribution he made to us winning the European Cup [last season].

"He was available in the second half of the season and played some important games for us."

Ferguson added: "We are managing his [injury] situation as best we can.

"It is not an easy one because there is no doubt he is having some pain, but he is getting better.

"We will give it another week and then probably send him back to the specialist in Leicester.

"Owen is young enough to recover. The specialist is happy with it. He thinks Owen is on the right way. It is frustrating, but I think he will be okay."