United Rant

Owen Hargreaves will not feature in Manchester United reserves fixture against Burnley tonight as he steps up training with the first team squad. The Canadian-born midfielder, who has missed 18 months following operations to cure tendinitis in both knees, made a 45 minute return to action for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reserve team last week.

“Owen won’t play for the Reserves tonight,” Sir Alex Ferguson told ManUtd.com.

“He’s going to be training with the first team and we’ll see where that takes him. We’re keen to get him back involved because he’s an experienced player and will be a valuable addition for us in the run-in, when having a strong, fit squad is vital.”

Hargreaves, who suffers constant pain in his knees that needs regular injections, could play some part in United’s Premier League run in, although the midfielder is not registered for European competition.

The England international could even make a surprise return for United’s trip to Bolton this weekend.