Manchester United FC

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• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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Fergie: Ron ahead of schedule

22 Aug 2008 - 14:52:19

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Cristiano Ronaldo could be in line for a quicker than expected return to action with Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson revealed his recovery from ankle surgery is ahead of schedule.

Last season's 42-goal player-of-the-season was expected to be out of action until the end of October after being forced to undergo surgery on an ankle problem last month.

Ronaldo was sent for surgery following Portugal's exit from Euro 2008 with early estimates suggesting he would miss the first six weeks of the new Premier League season.

However, Ferguson has revealed that his recovery is progressing well after he joined in light training with his United team-mates this week.

Ronaldo could now be back in contention for the Premier League and European champions towards the beginning of October.

"Ronaldo's maybe a little bit ahead of schedule," said Ferguson. "He's surprisingly good.

"He's been doing jogging all week. Only jogging, nothing serious, we're quite pleased with that."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has been boosted by the returns of several players ahead of Monday's trip to Portsmouth.

Owen Hargreaves and Ryan Giggs could feature after shaking off knee and hamstring problems respectively.

Carlos Tevez is back in Manchester after returning from Argentina, following a family bereavement which forced the striker to miss last weekend's draw with Newcastle United.

Brazil midfielder Anderson is also in contention after returning from international duty at the Olympic Games.