Fletcher Glad Owen's Back

Darren Fletcher says Owen Hargreaves's return to action with the Reds would not only raise the quality at United's disposal in midfield, he would also increase competition for places.

Hargreaves has been plagued by a career-threatening knee injury since Autumn 2008, and it's two years this month since his last Reds start against Chelsea.

Back in May he came on as a substitute for the final three minutes against Sunderland, and he was expected to be fit for the start of this season, but suffered another setback in the summer.

The 29-year-old returned to America, where he had the double operation on the troublesome tendonitis problem, for more treatment.

But after making excellent progress in recent weeks he is now back among the first-team ranks - and Fletcher hopes it remains that way.

“It’s great to have him back and hopefully he can stay fit now and be a really important part of the squad,” said the Scot. “The biggest thing for us is the determination and dedication he’s shown to coming back.

"He’s come back in the last few days and surprised everyone. He seems to be fit and doesn’t have any problems on the injury front.”

midfielders are also back in contention for selection. Brazilian Anderson marked his return to the first-team by playing 90 minutes in the 5-2 Carling Cup win at Scunthorpe, while Michael Carrick resumed training last week following an Achilles problem.

Hargreaves, Anderson and Carrick will all be challenging Fletcher for a place in centre of United's midfield, but it's a battle that the Reds' no.24 relishes.

“Competition is great, it brings the best out in everyone,” he says. “It’s important you have a good squad because it’s a long season. We experienced that last season with the amount of injuries we picked up, and that cost us a little bit.

"There will be different games where the manager feels that different personnel fit what he’s trying to do.

"For me personally, I just have to keep my head down and work hard. I need to keep playing well and try to keep myself in the team each week because the players that are coming back into the squad will be desperate to play as well."

The middle men
United's midfield takes on a formidable appearance if everyone's fit and firing...

Darren Fletcher
He's been the central midfield mainstay and one of United's key men in recent seasons. He'll take some shifting.

Paul Scholes
He's 35, but performing like he's 25. Played a lot of games so far but may be used more sparingly later in the season.

Anderson
Bags of promise, yet injury and inexperience (with that inconsistency) tempered his progress. Like Nani last season, this is a big year.

Michael Carrick
United's midfield metronome. He was hugely influential in a 4-4-2 early in his Reds career; we're set up for him.

Owen Hargreaves
What a miss he's been. His energy, creativity would drive us on, and he gets the odd goal too.

Darron Gibson
Still 22, his rocket right boot has a deft touch too, as a lob at Scunthorpe proved. Goals from midfield are a commodity.