Hargreaves Can't Wait To Return

Owen Hargreaves has remained positive throughout the long road to recovery from double knee surgery – and now he’s delighted to be back at United and edging ever nearer to the ultimate goal of pulling on the red shirt once again.

Hargreaves last did that against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 21 September 2008. He’s come so far since the initial daunting diagnosis from Dr Richard Steadman at his California clinic that he required surgery on both knees to cure the tendonitis problem.

But now the prospect of emerging from the players’ tunnel at Old Trafford seems tantalisingly close. Smiling and in buoyant mood at United’s Carrington training ground – surprising considering what he’s been through – Hargreaves’ determination and focus has been sharpened by months of hard work.

“I can’t wait to get back involved in it all,” he told ManUtd.com. “I can’t wait to play again for United, to be able to pull on the shirt and have an effect on games. Running out at Old Trafford will be a big thing for me. It’ll be amazing.”

Hargreaves returned to Manchester late last month, along with the physio he worked with throughout his rehabilitation in America. He’s now under the watchful eye of United’s medical staff as he enters the final phase of his recovery - while a potential November return awaits.

“The reception I’ve had has been great,” he says. “That was one of the things that I really missed, being with the guys in the dressing room. There's such a great energy around this club. It’s fantastic being back in with all the different characters and personalities.”