Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fit Neville ready for run-in

01 Apr 2009 - 11:23:51

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Veteran defender Gary Neville hopes to return to the Manchester United squad for this weekend's game against Aston Villa.

The 34-year-old, who has missed United's last 11 matches with a groin injury, proved his fitness in a reserve team game earlier this week against Newcastle United's second string.

Neville told the Manchester Evening News: "I've got the opportunity to be fit now and hopefully be available for Sunday, Tuesday and the games coming up in the next couple of months which are vital for us.

"I feel okay. Monday was the first time I'd played in six or seven weeks so I felt a little bit rusty, but I'm hoping to get back into the squad and get back with the lads as soon as possible for what's hopefully going to be a great two months.

"I need to be fit for the last months of the season. We need every player fit, including Wes Brown and Rafael, but obviously I've got to concentrate on my own fitness and get myself ready.

"It starts on Sunday against Villa. It will be a hugely important game and we need the crowd behind us. We know what we need to do.

"We need to bounce back and recover but we said that after the Liverpool game and we didn't do that at Fulham.

"Now there are no more chances for us. We need to make sure we start winning games and get back on a winning run.

"Sunday is a vital game. I don't think anyone will underestimate the importance of that match."