Smith promises full-throttle start on return from injury

ALAN SMITH has warned Crewe there will be no holding back as he spearheads the start of Manchester United’s Carling Cup defence at Gresty Road.

After a couple of Champions League substitute appearances, Smith will make his long-awaited return to the United line-up tonight, just over nine months since fracturing his leg and breaking an ankle in a freakish accident at Liverpool.

Given the severity of his injuries and the length of time it has taken him to recover, Smith could be forgiven if he approached his comeback with a degree of trepidation.