Solskjaer set for reserves run-out

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to make his long-awaited return from knee surgery in a reserve-team outing against Aston Villa next week.

The 30-year-old Norwegian has not played for Manchester United since September and there were suggestions - denied by his club - he would miss the rest of the season.

But after being given a week off, Solskjaer has been back in full training for a fortnight and should turn out for the Reds' second string at Altrincham next Thursday.

"Ole is doing fine," boss Alex Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News.

"But I don't want to build him up for playing again after so long out and then find the pitch is too hard or risk his return.

"He will get a game when we play Aston Villa at home. He will definitely be okay by then."