Smalling’s return boosts United’s defensive options

Alex Ferguson yesterday celebrated his 26th anniversary as Manchester United manager, insisting he is firmly focused on the future.

The 70-year-old Scot has plenty to look back on from his time in charge of United, including 12 Premier League titles and two European Cups.

But with his side currently leading the English top flight and Champions League Group H, he has emphasised he is in no mood for reflection.

The Red Devils play Braga tonight knowing a win will guarantee them a place in the knockout phase.

And asked at last night’s pre-match press conference for his thoughts on reaching 26 years as boss at United — who announced this morning they will be unveiling a statue of him at Old Trafford at the end of the month — Ferguson said: “It is difficult to keep going on about these things.

“It is not a big issue for me. I just have to carry on with my job — there is no point in eulogising about it or regretting anything.

“Looking back is never an issue — looking forward is the thing, and I’m at the right club, which has the expectation of looking forward and achieving as much as we can. That is the way we are.”

Braga coach Jose Peseiro congratulated Ferguson on his longevity — but is confident there will be little for the Scot to celebrate tonight.

Peseiro said: “He is a fantastic coach and an example to any coach with his quality. Congratulations to him, but tomorrow I think he will go back to Manchester no happier.”

Chris Smalling is set to make his first appearance of the season in tonight’s game. Smalling, sidelined by a broken metatarsal, was included in United’s travelling party for the game at the Estadio AXA having stepped up his rehabilitation in training.

Ferguson said he is intending for the England international to be “involved” tonight.

Asked for an update on Smalling and fellow defender Phil Jones, who is also yet to play this campaign due to back and knee problems, Ferguson said: “Phil Jones will start training with us next Monday which is good news, he is making really good progress now.

“Chris Smalling is with the party and will be involved tomorrow.

“That is really good news because as we know, since the start of the season we’ve been operating on the borderline in terms of certain defenders having to play all the time, and also having to play (midfielder) Michael Carrick as a centre-back.’’

Also missing the trip to Portugal along with Jones, defender Nemanja Vidic and midfielder Shinji Kagawa (both knee), are central midfield pair Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes.

Asked about Fletcher and Scholes, who is 38 this month, Ferguson explained: “Fletcher had a little bit of a cold on Sunday and there is no point in taking him travelling with a cold.

“With Scholes, for the last few weeks I have been resting him, looking to freshen him up a bit. I’m just taking care of an old man, that’s all!”