ManUtd.com's Nick Coppack blogs after a Friday audience with Sir Alex Ferguson...
August is for discussing the resumption of the football season, big-money signings and blazing sunshine. Not injuries, illness and fitness concerns.
And yet, given United's new campaign has begun in the same manner as almost the entire 2011/12 season panned out – hampered by injuries and having to field players out of position – Sir Alex Ferguson's Friday morning press conference was dominated by such depressing talk.
Wayne Rooney's injury in last weekend's win against Fulham has added to Carrington's already crowded treatment room, although at least Ferguson could report that the deep gash sustained when the striker bravely blocked Hugo Rodallega's late shot should present “no complications” in terms of recovery. He's still due to miss four weeks.
“The fact it's a gash and not a ligament, muscle or joint injury means he can do a lot of work in the gymansium,” Sir Alex told those of us assembled inside the Academy building. “[The injury] is maybe a blessing because he can concentrate on his fitness now."
Later, the boss revealed Rooney had undergone a gym session on Thursday morning and confirmed “the minute he starts running he'll be involved on the football side of things”.
There was good news for David De Gea, too. The Reds defence, so far consisting of square pegs and stop-gaps, should resemble a more recognisable back four this weekend, with Jonny Evans expected to return for Sunday's trip to Southampton after coming through Wednesday night's Under-21s match unscathed. That, Sir Alex said, should allow Michael Carrick to adopt his preferred midfield role.
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