Timely boost for United
18 Apr 2007 - 08:07:39
Manchester United have been handed a double injury boost with the news that Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea should be fit for Saturday's match against Middlesbrough.
Ferdinand has been troubled by a groin problem while O'Shea has been sidelined with a calf injury, but both players are now close to full fitness.
"I'll have Ferdinand and O'Shea back on Saturday," confirmed Sir Alex Ferguson after the 2-0 win against Sheffield United.
"I could have played John against Sheffield United, but he's been doing some good work in training and he'll give us some experience and strength at the back."
The news comes at a good time for Ferguson as Patrice Evra limped out of Tuesday's win with a calf injury following an injudicious challenge by Colin Kazim-Richards.
"It was a bad tackle, but we don't know the extent of the injury yet," Ferguson added. "He'll have a scan in the morning."
Of the win, the veteran manager added: "It was a professional job and a good result.
"The performance was economical. We didn't kill ourselves, which is important. In the second half, with the score at 2-0, the game was over and we kept the ball at the back to save our legs. That was the sensible thing to do.
"With five games to go, most of the games are like cup finals. Hopefully we're a step closer now and I think we've got the right temperament to do it."