Neville back in United reckoning

Gary Neville will hope to be included in Manchester United’s squad to face Arsenal tomorrow after managing 56 minutes in his long-awaited comeback from injury.

Neville was booked and scored an own goal – although Dan Ellis will no doubt try to claim it – as United’s reserves beat Stockport 6-1 in the Manchester Senior Cup.

It was the England defender’s first appearance since suffering an ankle ligament injury in the Barclays Premier League clash with Bolton on March 17.

The 32-year-old is unlikely to start at the Emirates Stadium but could get a place on the bench against Arsene Wenger’s unbeaten side.

The Gunners top the table from United on goals scored and Rio Ferdinand is under no illusions about the size of the task tomorrow.

“They’re a top team. They’re young, exciting, enthusiastic and have a very good manager,” Ferdinand said.

“It’s always a tough game and the rivalry means it will be a fantastic game. There will be a lot of people watching at the stadium and at home so hopefully we will give a good performance.”

Midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been Arsenal’s star performer this season and Ferdinand was full of praise for the 20-year-old Spaniard.

“You can sometimes forget how young he is,” Ferdinand told MUTV.

“The only player to compare him to is (Paul) Scholes and now he’s added goals to his game.

“If he continues at this rate then he’ll be held in high esteem for years to come.”

United will make the trip south in buoyant mood after scoring four goals in four successive games for the first time in 100 years.

Wigan, Aston Villa, Dynamo Kiev and Middlesbrough have all been put to the sword after the Red Devils found their goalscoring touch following a slow start to the season.

John O’Shea is yet to get among the goals this season but the versatile Republic of Ireland international is relishing the top of the table clash.

“It’s a massive game, it’s two teams in good form,” he said.

“Arsenal deserved to get more than they got at Anfield (where they drew 1-1 with Liverpool last week).

“It’s one of those games you look forward to and it’s good to go into it in the form we are in.

“We’ve got loads of confidence, but we will respect Arsenal and the way they are playing.

“We know we have players creating chances and as long as we keep clean sheets then we are going to win games.

“We’ve got to go down there and be positive and not worry about Arsenal because our attacking style means we know we can score goals.”