United boost as Ferdinand makes return with reserves

MANCHESTER United skipper Rio Ferdinand put himself in contention for a Premier League comeback against Everton on Saturday week (September 11) after ending his 89-day knee injury lay-off with an outing for the club’s reserves last night.

The England captain showed no ill-effects from his injury during a 45-minute Manchester Senior Cup exertion against Oldham Athletic’s youthful second string at Stalybridge Celtic’s Bower Fold ground.

And with the trip to Everton beginning a crucial week of fixtures for United, who face Rangers in the Champions League on September 14 before entertaining Liverpool at Old Trafford five days later, Ferdinand is now likely to challenge for a swift return to first-team action after proving his fitness.