Source: Telegraph
Owen Hargreaves can make big difference for Manchester United and England, says Ince
Hargreaves returned to training last week after being out since September with a career-threatening knee injury. [LNB]The 28-year-old has been plagued by injuries since signing from Bayern Munich in 2007 and has had to undergo two operations in a bid to cure tendinitis in both knees. [LNB] Related ArticlesTottenham out for revenge against Man UnitedSir Alex Ferguson: Nani not for saleRooney 'privileged' to play with GiggsPortsmouth 1 Manchester United 4Dr Richard Steadman, the world-renowned surgeon who treated Hargreaves, described the midfielder's injury as one of the worst he had seen in 35 years in the business. [LNB]There had been worries that the £18 million midfielder would have to retire, but United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is confident he will play again and may choose to give Hargreaves a run-out in the club's Champions League dead rubber with Wolfsburg next week. [LNB]Ince, whose playing style was similar to the combative Hargreaves, won six major trophies during a six-year period at Old Trafford and also represented England 53 times during his 23-year career. [LNB]With United trailing Premier League leaders Chelsea by five points, and England's midfield looking vulnerable against the top-class opposition, he believes Hargreaves' return could be vital for both club and country. [LNB]"Sir Alex Ferguson must feel he's worth it to persist with him for such a long time, he's a fantastic player," Ince said. [LNB]"I like the way he plays and he has been missed at Man United and England. If you get him fit it'll be like having a new player, not only for Manchester United but for England as well. [LNB]"He's been out for so long that it's nice to see him back on the pitch where he belongs." [LNB]Hargreaves has played two internationals since Fabio Capello took over as manager and the Italian has made it clear that he will not take any player to the World Cup who is not 100 per cent fit. [LNB]Ince worries that the former Bayern Munich player will not have enough time to regain his fitness in time to make the Italian's final 23 but believes Hargreaves should go to the World Cup if fit. [LNB]"He has six months so it might come a little bit too early for him but who knows," the MK Dons manager added. [LNB]"It's always nice for England to have that other option. Mentally he's a fantastic player. [LNB]"Every team needs that combative midfielder who can get about, tackle, win balls and break up play and he can do that." [LNB]Capello's near-perfect qualifying record has led some bookmakers to tip England to win their first World Cup in 44 years next summer. [LNB]Ince has been impressed with how Capello has turned around England's fortunes and believes the Three Lions have the potential to win the tournament providing they stay clear of injuries. [LNB]"I believe they can go all the way," the 42-year-old said. [LNB]"We certainly have the players to do it and we also now definitely have the manager to do it. There are six or seven sides that can do it and England are one of those. [LNB]"I always thought that Fabio was a fantastic manager and he has proven that with England. Now I think it's important that we get through the league without any injuries so that we can have a successful campaign in South Africa." [LNB][LNB]
