Growing concern over Hargreaves

ALEX FERGUSON has admitted a growing concern at Owen Hargreaves’ continued absence through injury.

The Manchester United boss confirmed Hargreaves has returned to Munich for further treatment on the hamstring injury he suffered against Wolves in November.

Hargreaves was making his first start for over two years following operations on both knees to cure a serious tendinitis problem and Ferguson has previously admitted he has no idea when the 29-year-old will return.

As his contract is due to expire at the end of the season, Hargreaves’ United future is uncertain at best.

And Ferguson admitted to worries about whether Hargreaves can even return to the field in any capacity, let alone the level that saw him selected as England’s best player at the 2006 World Cup.

“We are all concerned,” said the United chief. “He has not played for over two years so we would have to be super-optimistic to think everything in the garden was rosy about him making comebacks.

“What we are trying to do is help the lad. That in itself is our biggest challenge. We want to help the lad try to get back to a level where he can still play football.”

Ferguson, meanwhile, has likened Javier Hernandez to Denis Law for the new boy’s heading ability.

Hernandez has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign for the Old Trafford outfit so far, netting seven goals in 18 appearances, having got off the mark in his competitive debut in the Community Shield at Wembley.

“He has got the spring but he also has the ability to just hang there for a second or two, just like Denis Law and Ian St John,’’ Ferguson said.

“Some bigger players had great ability in the air but it is that talent to hang in the air for a fraction that can upset defenders.”

Ferguson, meanwhile, is demanding his side secure top spot in Champions League Group C against Valencia tonight in order to avoid heavyweight Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona.

A single point will seal it, which is why Ferguson is ready to revert to his strongest side, condemning Hernandez to a place on the bench as Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov are reunited for the first time since the Bulgarian’s record-equalling five-goal salvo against Blackburn nine days ago.

Certainly, Ferguson did not need reminding of Barcelona’s power in their five-goal demolition of Real last week and confirmation that the Catalan giants are responsible for all three men on the short list for the prestigious Ballon D’Or merely emphasises they will be the team to beat this year.

“If you get Barcelona on one of their good days they can do that to anyone,” said Ferguson.

“It was a marvellous performance but even before the Champions League started they would have been one of the favourites.

“Like everyone else, they have days when they can be beaten but the sensible approach is to avoid the bigger hitters and we can only do that if we do finish first in our group.”