Carrick on his way to Wembley

Sir Alex Ferguson's injury concerns are beginning to ease as United prepare to kick off 2008/09 on Sunday in the Community Shield clash with Portsmouth.

The squad for Wembley will be bolstered by the return of Michael Carrick - the midfielder trained on Thursday after recovering from the virus that also waylaid Wayne Rooney.

"Carrick trained yesterday for the first time and I'm taking him to Wembley," said Sir Alex.

"Hopefully I'll give him some minutes on the pitch. If he is feeling good then we have to get some minutes on the clock for him ahead of next week against Newcastle."

Wayne Rooney is now also clear of the virus but he returned to training only today (Friday) after missing every session since the Reds returned from Africa on 28 July.

"We have a big job to get him ready for Newcastle," said Sir Alex, "but with seven or eight days training, we may just make it now. He's much better and the medical reports are good.

"Gary Neville and Nani are fit and they will travel. Nani will probably start on Sunday because he is suspended for the first two league games of the season.

"Owen Hargreaves is not ready. He should be OK for Portsmouth away (on Monday 25 August), that's the time frame we've put on it.

"Ben Foster had a bit of swelling in his knee which you can sometimes get after a cruciate knee injury. We're trying to manage that but he's not ready yet to play in games. It's unfortunate for the lad because he was looking forward to an uninterrupted run."