Scholes set for return

Paul Scholes could make a quick return to action following an exploratory knee operation after he was named in the Manchester United squad to face Dunfermline in a friendly tonight.

The 32-year-old former England midfielder was expected to miss the start of the new Barclays Premier League season after flying home early from United’s tour to Asia last month.

However, following the minor operation Scholes will join the United party heading north, with another team from Old Trafford due to face Glentoran in Belfast tonight.

If he plays some part in tonight’s game at East End Park, he looks set to take a place on the bench for Sunday’s opening game of the season against Reading at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, manager Alex Ferguson will not attend either match tonight after his wife told him to help move house.

“I told Cathy that I had a match tonight but she wasn’t having any of that. She said it was a friendly and that I had to help her,” Ferguson said.

Carlos Tevez will also not be available as his complicated transfer from West Ham has not been completed yet.