Forlan set for United return

Diego Forlan could return for Manchester United’s crucial Premiership clash against Leeds at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The Uruguayan striker missed yesterday’s Worthington Cup final defeat by Liverpool after damaging his ankle during the opening stages of United’s Champions League triumph over Juventus in Turin last week.

It was originally thought Forlan had suffered ligament damage and would be out of action for at least a fortnight.

However, the 23-year-old was fit enough to make the weekend trip to Cardiff and does not believe the damage is as bad as was first feared.

“I did some running the other day and it was okay,” Forlan told Sky Sports.

“I thought it would be worse than it is and hopefully I will be able to come back on Wednesday.”

The return of Forlan would be a welcome boost for manager Alex Ferguson, whose side fell eight points behind Arsenal yesterday and are suddenly facing the prospect of successive seasons without a trophy for only the second time in the Scot’s illustrious reign.

Ferguson does have injury problems ahead of Leeds’ visit though, particularly in defence where both Wes Brown (tight hamstring) and Mikael Silvestre (knee) are struggling.

If neither makes it, Ferguson may be forced to move skipper Roy Keane back into the central defensive role he occupied with such distinction in the Stadio delle Alpi last week.