Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
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• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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Smith back in action

22 Aug 2006 - 09:17:21

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Manchester United striker Alan Smith returned to action with a 66-minute run out for the reserves at Preston North End on Monday.

The 25-year-old had not played a competitive game since breaking his left leg and dislocating his ankle during an FA Cup tie at Liverpool in February.

The England international's return was two months ahead of schedule, but he knows he still has a lot of work to do before he is in contention for a first-team place.

"I have worked hard for that all through the summer," said Smith.

"That is what my goal has been. Playing for the reserves is a step up from training and hopefully, in a few weeks time I will have had some more reserve games and be able to make the step up to the first team.

"The first half I felt okay but I started to get a bit tired 15 minutes into the second half, which is why I came off.

"I just need a few matches under my belt, although I think I could have played all night and not scored.

"But my movement was okay and I just need to build up my strength a little bit."

United won the Lancashire Senior Cup tie 7-2, with Giuseppe Rossi and Phil Marsh scoring twice each and Chris Eagles, Danny Rose and David Jones also on target.