Hargreaves set to start

United's injury list is finally shortening, with Owen Hargreaves and Patrice Evra set to face Middlesbrough, and Michael Carrick and Louis Saha in contention for next weekend's trip to Arsenal.

Hargreaves's return is a major filip. He has been absent since the win over Sunderland in September with tendonitis in his knee. Sir Alex expects the 26-year-old to start against Boro, but conceded that Hargreaves is unlikely to play the full match.

“Owen is ready to play and he should start,” the boss said on Friday. "We did the right thing. We tried our best to get him through without an injection, but he had it and is ready to play. It's been a frustrating time for him, but it's a long season and if he's back, and stays back, then that is terrific news."

Carrick, who fractured his elbow in the win over AS Roma at the start of October, faces a scan on Monday to assess the progress he has made. "If he get’s the all-clear, then he’ll start training with us and will be available for the Arsenal game," said the boss.

Evra, who tweaked a calf muscle in the warm-up before United's 4-2 victory over Dynamo Kyiv, could also be available for the Teessiders' visit, while Saha is on the road to recovery from a knee injury and should be included in the squad that travels to the Emirates Stadium next Saturday.

Reds skipper Neville is ready to make his long-awaited comeback, as soon as he posts some much-needed playing time, possibly in a Reserves match. "All Gary needs is an extra game," added the boss. "We’re trying to fix something in the next seven days. But he is ready to play. Friday was his 16th training session in a row, which is good."