Anderson doubtful for Pompey tie

Anderson will return to Manchester United in time to face Portsmouth on Monday but the Brazilian is still a doubtful starter at Fratton Park.

Although United are desperately short of midfield options, manager Alex Ferguson does not think it would be the wisest move to bring Anderson back so quickly after flying back from Olympic duty in China.

Owen Hargreaves and Park Ji-sung trained with United’s first team squad at their Carrington HQ this morning but only Hargreaves has even the remotest chance of being involved against Pompey, with the Super Cup tie with Zenit St Petersburg next Friday a more likely comeback date after having injections to combat a tendinitis problem.

The sight of Cristiano Ronaldo on the training ground would have gladdened the hearts of United followers, although the Portugal international will not be back in action until October following an ankle operation.

Carlos Tevez has returned after a family bereavement kept him out of the opening day draw with Newcastle, while Nemanja Vidic is expected to be fit despite not training this morning.

Nani completes the last match of a three-game ban.

Team (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Brown, Neville, R Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, F Da Silva, Fletcher, O’Shea, Hargreaves, Anderson, Scholes, Possebon, Gibson, Giggs, Rooney, Tevez, Campbell, Welbeck.