I got good news for all Man U fans
Ryan And Ruud On Road To Recovery
United have been handed a double boost with the news that Ryan Giggs and Ruud van Nistelrooy are recovering well from their respective injuries.
Sir Alex Ferguson was keen to dispel rumours that Giggs and van Nistelrooy's injuries are worse than first diagnosed.
The Reds boss insists his in-form Welsh winger should be available within a fortnight, while Ruud is in line to return for the crucial Champions League last 16 clashes with AC Milan.
"Ruud has got every chance of being ready for the AC Milan game," said Ferguson. "We expect him to be ready for those games."
"In the case of Giggs, I would put it down to two weeks," he added. "He should be back in two weeks."
Reports in the press suggested Giggs, who was substituted against Tottenham with a hamstring injury in midweek, would be missing for at least six weeks; a rumour Ferguson strenuously denied on Friday.
"Ryan has a hamstring injury. It's not going to be six weeks, as has been reported in the press, but then who is going to stop that story?
"There was nobody from Old Trafford that even predicted that kind of time-scale.
"We know the situation with Ryan; he gets these injuries from time to time, and we've handled them well over the years. The time factor in his recovery is now much better."
Van Nistelrooy, who was originally suffering from a calf injury which then spread to his Achilles, is still doing remedial.
The Dutchman has divided his recovery time between United's Carrington training base and his native Holland.
"His injury has not got worse at all. He is on remedial," the boss confirmed. "We have let him do part of it here and part of it in Holland.
"We think that helps him mentally; when players, particularly those from other countries, are recovering from long-term injuries it is a bit easier if they are surrounded by their family and friends."
Meanwhile, Sir Alex confirmed that Tim Howard will start the next two games in goal for the Reds, against Exeter City and Chelsea.
Report by Ben Hibbs at Carrington, and Steve Bartram