<!-- end page tools --> <!-- begin story body -->
<!-- template inline -->
Manchester United have removed midfielder Owen Hargreaves from their squad for the Champions
League knockout stages.
• Fergie hopes for swift Hargreaves
return
Hargreaves has not featured for United since September 2008 due
to a long-standing problem with his knees. He has undergone
rehabilitation work and has recently returned to light
training.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who had said in September
that he was nearing a return, said this week that he hoped
Hargreaves would be fit in time to face AC Milan this month, but it
appears his recovery has since suffered another setback after UEFA
confirmed United have requested that Ritchie De Laet be introduced into their squad in
Hargreaves' place.
Hargreaves moved to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich for £19
million in May 2007.