Cris is ready

Cristiano Ronaldo could make a shock return for United in the next few days after Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he may take the winger with him to Anfield.

Wednesday's Champions League Group E opener against Villarreal at Old Trafford might be a safer bet, but either way the news is a significant and surprising boost to United as some reports had suggested last season's 42-goal hero would be out of action until October.

The Portuguese winger has been sidelined since undergoing a successful ankle operation in Amsterdam at the start of July. However, his rehab work in Manchester has gone so well in recent weeks that his inclusion in Sir Alex's XI is now close.

Sir Alex told MUTV on Friday morning: "Ronaldo is training now, he's with the first team. He's come on leaps and bounds and I may take him with us tomorrow, who knows? But he's more likely to be involved next week.

"I think we mentioned a couple of weeks ago he was making rapid progress in terms of overcoming the injury problem he had and the training he's been doing with the physios and Tony Strudwick the fitness coach.

"He's been making great strides in the direction towards first-team football."

The summer months were riddled with press speculation and uncertainty over his future. But he has decided his future remains in Manchester and his impending return to action is a real filip for Sir Alex ahead of another key match against Chelsea.

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