Silvestre primed for early return

Defender Mikael Silvestre will be fit for Manchester United following his ankle injury in time for Porto’s Champions League visit to Old Trafford next week.

Silvestre has been missing since picking up the injury against Leeds last month. But he is optimistic of completing a quicker than expected return next Tuesday as United attempt to recover a 2-1 deficit in the second leg of the last-16 tie.

There is a possibility that the 26-year-old will be fit for this Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Fulham.

“I should be fit for Porto, maybe even before,” he said.

United’s fortunes have not improved in Silvestre’s absence, and he said: “It’s not the best situation. “We’re losing games and we think the defence is not dealing well with crosses. There are some adjustments that we have to make, but I’m confident we can do that in the remaining games this season.”

He also reports United have not given up hope on retaining the Barclaycard Premiership title, despite Arsenal’s seven-point lead.