Manchester United manager Sir
Alex Ferguson has revealed that midfielder Owen Hargreaves should
be fit for the start of next season.
The 28-year-old has not played since the 1-1 draw with Chelsea
at Stamford Bridge in September and has made just three appearances
in all competitions this season due to a problem with his
knees.
The England international has been plagued by tendonitis shortly
after arriving at Old Trafford from Bayern Munich for £17million in
summer 2007.
The Canada-born midfielder went to seek the advice of renowned
knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman in Colorado and underwent an
operation in November.
Hargreaves then had to undergo a second operation last week in a
bid to put an end to his injury nightmare once and for all.
It was rumoured that if the operations weren't successful then
the Bayern youth team graduate may have to consider retiring.
Ferguson has now rubbished such speculation by declaring that
the second operation was a success.
"Owen had a second operation last week and it was completely
successful," the Scot said.
"It was better than the last one, which was much more difficult.
This one is completely clear and I am certain he will be ready for
the start of next season."