Van Nistelrooy boost for United

Ruud van Nistelrooy should be fit to return to the Manchester United line-up against Portsmouth at Old Trafford tomorrow – but John O'Shea and Fabien Barthez are major doubts for the visit of the First Division.

Van Nistelrooy has missed two games with a toe infection but trained yesterday and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has indicated the 18-goal Dutchman will be recalled.