Anderson return on the cards

Manchester United midfielder Anderson will hit the comeback trail with an appearance in tonight’s reserve-team derby at Moss Lane.

The Brazilian has been out of action since United’s FA Cup win over non-league Crawley in February when he suffered a knee injury that was suggested would sideline him for the remainder of the season.

However, the damage was not extensive as initially feared and Anderson has been able to make a return to training.

He was not involved at Chelsea last night but Ferguson did confirm afterwards that the 22-year-old will feature against the Blues this evening.

Provided Anderson suffers no reaction, he would then be in contention for the next part of United’s packed programme, which starts with Saturday’s Premier League clash with Fulham, which precedes the Champions League return with Chelsea and an eagerly-anticipated FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City on April 16.

United do have an injury concern over Rafael, who limped out of Stamford Bridge after being forced off with a knee injury.

However, John O’Shea and Wes Brown are expected to be available for the Fulham encounter at Old Trafford, meaning Antonio Valencia will not be pressed into service as an emergency right-back, as was the case last night.