SCHOLES MAY NOT BE BACK AS SOON AS FIRST THOUGHT

Last updated : 14 September 2003 By Editor

"I would have hoped it would have settled down by now so it looks likely he is going to have an operation, " said Fergie. "He will go to see the specialist on Monday and we will see what he says, but he hasn't improved and is still very tender.

"We haven't decided simply because we don't know what to do.

"If we operate we know he is going to be out for anything up to a month and because it would be his third hernia operation it could be a longer comeback.

"That is why we are trying to get through this period, hoping it will settle down. "