Fortune on way back for United

Manchester United look like entering one of the most intense periods of the campaign with a fully-fit squad.

The visit of Alex Ferguson’s side to Southampton tomorrow sees them embark on a run of at least 13 matches in 28 days and possibly more depending on FA Cup commitments.

South African midfielder Quinton Fortune is two weeks away from full fitness after suffering a broken leg last autumn but while Ferguson has not been able to increase his squad depth during the transfer window, he does at least have the remainder of his senior players available again.

PROVISIONAL SQUAD: Barthez, Ricardo, Carroll, O’Shea, G Neville, Brown, Blanc, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Beckham, P Neville, Scholes, Keane, Veron, Butt Giggs, van Nistelrooy, Solskjaer, Forlan, Richardson.