United returns boost Fergie
02 Nov 2007 - 17:34:52
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Arsenal that his squad is in their 'the strongest position so far this season' ahead of Saturday's Premier League showdown.
Ferguson has been buoyed in the build-up to the top-of-the-table Emirates Stadium clash with the return to fitness of a number of key players.
Michael Carrick has returned sooner than expected from a fractured elbow and will play for the first time since early October.
The England midfielder will partner the fit-again Owen Hargreaves in the centre of midfield.
Meanwhile, injury-prone striker Louis Saha has trained with his team-mates all week and is also in line for a first appearance since the 1-0 Champions League win over AS Roma last month.
"We have everyone fit apart from Paul Scholes (knee)," revealed Ferguson.
"It is the strongest position we have been so far this season with the squad available.
"Gary Neville had his run-out last night and played for 60 minutes, but he won't be involved tomorrow obviously.
"Carrick has trained all week, Owen Hargreaves came through his game last week, played 65 minutes and he is ready for tomorrow also.
"Saha's available and it could not come at a better time because in big games you hope you are going to have your strongest team available and, apart from Paul Scholes, I think we have that."
Meanwhile, the veteran United chief is expecting a thrilling spectacle when the two form teams in the league meet at lunchtime.
He added: "Both teams will be hell-bent on winning and that's the kind of mouth-watering aspect about tomorrow.
"Anyone who has got a ticket will be rubbing their hands because without question the form of both teams, the football they are playing, the goals they are scoring, points to a big occasion."