Hargreaves Back In A Month

Owen Hargreaves returned to Manchester this week, and United's physiotherapists are assessing at what stage he is at in his recovery from double knee surgery to cure the tendonitis that has cursed his Reds career.

The good news is that, after more than a year on the sidelines, the 28-year-old midfielder is tantalisingly close to a comeback.

He will not be rushed, however, and the physio he has worked with during his rehabilitation in America has joined him at the Reds' training headquarters at Carrington, as United's medical staff look to ease him back into training.

"He's back, and hopefully the boy gets a break and continues his progress without any mishaps," Sir Alex said on Friday.

"He's been out for a long time, but he has the resilience to see it through. It'll take about four weeks to get back into the rhythm of training and to the point where we can consider him for match play.

"The physio he's been working with in the States has come to England with him. He'll stay for a week for the change over working with our physios. They're discussing what stage Owen is at."

A smooth return for Hargreaves is nothing more than he deserves after a torrid time out, and his return would be a major boon for the Reds. "The good thing is that he is young enough to come back from an injury like this," added the boss.