Owen Hargreaves' long-term injury woes could end in September, close to the anniversary of his last appearance for United.

The midfielder played just three games last season, all in September 2008 against Liverpool (as sub), Villarreal and finally Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Serious knee problems have kept him out of action ever since but Hargreaves could soon be available for selection if the final stages of his recovery from surgery are successful.

"He's completing his rehab in America," said Sir Alex at the start of United's Asia Tour, from which Hargreaves is absent.

"We’re happy with his rehab and we’re in complete control of that. We’re roughly looking at the beginning of September for him, depending on how he reacts and how he progresses."