Neville ready to return

Reds skipper Gary Neville could make his long-awaited return to action this week for United's Reserves.

Brian McClair's side take on Liverpool on Thursday and the 32-year-old has been pencilled in to play for some much-needed match practice.

Neville has been in training for over two weeks now, but he hasn't played since since March. An ankle injury, which required surgery in the summer, kept him out at the end of the last term, while this season calf and thigh injuries have prevented him turning out for the first-team.

"We're hoping to use Gary against Liverpool reserves this week. That's the plan," says Sir Alex Ferguson. "He's getting better and he's improving all the time.

"He's over his last injury and he has been training now for over two weeks and he is at a good level.

"Because he has been out for so long, he needs games now and hopefully he can start on Thursday. It will be a good introduction for him game-wise." Read more...

Young trio impress Giggs

Ryan Giggs was quick to salute the input of United's young stand-ins after the Reds' impressive 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic.

Gerard Pique, Danny Simpson and Anderson were all outstanding against Chris Hutchings' side, turning in performances that belied their tender years.

"Pique came in at centre half and did a good job, and so did Simmo," Giggs told MUTV. "They got two assists really, so overall it was a really good performance from them both."

Brazilian midfielder Anderson was a first-half substitute at Old Trafford, and caught the eye with his superb passing, forming a promising partnership with Paul Scholes.

"In the second half Anderson was really involved in a lot of the play," admitted Giggs.

"He worked hard, showed some great touches, some great passes and he's still only young and finding his feet, but he put in a really good performance."

While many of United's stars will now jet off to link up with their respective national teams, Giggs will remain at Carrington after retiring from international football earlier this year.

Far from missing out, however, Giggs is adamant that such a timely mid-season break validates his decision to call time on his Welsh career.

"I look forward to not playing, really," he admitted. "This is why I retired from international football, to get the break and to look forward to playing for United and being fresh again." Read more...

Keane: United for the title

Arsenal beat the Invincibles' best run to make it a 10-game winning streak, but Roy Keane still believes Manchester United will be champions. Keane saw his Sunderland side give the Gunners a real fright, battling back from going two goals down to level, only to see Robin van Persie bag the winner for the third time in a week. The victory puts the Gunners two points clear of second-placed Manchester United, but former Old Trafford captain Keane believes Sir Alex Ferguson's side will be on top when it counts. "I think it's shaping up to be the same old title race between United and Arsenal, but I'd still take United at the end of it," said the Sunderland chief. "I think they'll have the edge. It's nothing to do with the results over the weekend, I just think United are a touch ahead."
Ann Gripper, The Mirro Read more...