Ronaldo, Saha ready for recall

Alex Ferguson expects to welcome Cristiano Ronaldo and Louis Saha back into his squad for Manchester United’s Premiership clash with rock-bottom Watford on Wednesday.

Both players missed yesterday’s FA Cup triumph against Portsmouth but should be available for selection against the Hornets.

Ronaldo was in the stands for the 2-1 win over Pompey having just returned from a short break in Dubai, which Ferguson sanctioned after noticing signs of tiredness in the Portugal winger’s performance at Arsenal last weekend.

“Cristiano played in the third-placed play-off for Portugal at the World Cup in Germany and he has been playing for us all season,” he said.

“We have been looking at ways to preserve the players and felt this was a great time to give him a week’s holiday. He has enjoyed it and hopefully we will get the benefit of it in the weeks ahead.”

Saha meanwhile was supposed to be on duty against Pompey but Ferguson opted to pull the Frenchman out of his squad after he picked up a minor knee injury in training on Friday.

“Louis got a kick on the back of the knee in training,” revealed the United chief. “It is nothing really, just bruising. He will be okay for Wednesday.”