Fergie backs Smith for September return

ALEX FERGUSON believes Alan Smith will be back in action by the beginning of September.

Smith has now abandoned his crutches and even managed a light jog round Man United’s Carrington training complex last week as he continues his recovery from the horrific double leg break he suffered during in February.

While Ferguson does not expect the 25-year-old to be back in time to play a significant part in United’s pre-season campaign, he does think a September return is a realistic proposition.