Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful that Owen Hargreaves’ prolonged
absence will have ridded him of tendinitis for good.
Hargreaves’ future has previously been cast into doubt because
of problems he has in both knees that surfaced even before his move
to Manchester United two years ago.
The injury has forced him to sit out the majority of
this campaign, but Ferguson has his fingers crossed that the
England midfielder will return with a clean slate.
“Owen is recovering well and continuing with his rehabilitation
work,” said the United manager.
“We are taking things step by step, not rushing anything and are
making sure everything is done right so that he gets back to full
fitness.
“He won’t be ready this season but will be working with out
fitness people during the summer and we hope he will be ready for
pre-season training and our trip to the Far East in mid-July.
“It’s been a bad time for the lad and we have missed him but
hopefully the problem will be cured for good.”
Meanwhile, news has emerged that Ferguson could have had a
different assistant alongside him this season had former Inter
manager Roberto Mancini been tempted by the offer.
“A little while ago there was contact with United but they were
offering him only the role of Ferguson’s assistant,” said Mancini’s
agent, Giorgio De Giorgios. “That didn’t suit him."