Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping that the almost forgotten about Owen Hargreaves will be able to get back into the flow of things to be included in the squad that faces Milan later in the month.

A double dose of knee surgery has kept the £18 million signing out of action for the last 16 months but he is now back in training.

Sir said: “I would like to see him make the squad for the Champions League fixtures against AC Milan.” 

“But we won’t rush him. We are being patient.”

“Owen is alternating his training with the reserve and first-team squads, working for two days and then resting a day.”