Golden oldie Gary Neville returns to United duty for the first time in a year

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The club captain has recovered from a long-standing ankle problem and played 90 minutes for the reserves on Monday against Newcastle.

Ferguson has praised 33-year-old Neville's work ethic after a 12-month absence from the first team.

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Back on the ball: United defender Gary Neville returns to action with the reserves

"It has been a long road back for Gary," said the United boss.

"He played a full match for the reserves this week, which was good. His personality and experience will help us.

"It is not easy at his age but his enthusiasm for the game and his determination to get back, that is what gives you the most encouragement about him. I think he will figure in some games this season."

On Vidic being sidelined, Ferguson added: "Of course he is a loss but I think we can cope.

"If we cannot, there is something wrong. We are very well covered in his position."

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Captain fantastic: Red Devils captain Neville is in the squad to face Boro

With Mikael Silvestre also fit, United have good cover for defender Nemanja Vidic, who is out for two to three weeks with a knee injury. Nani (thigh), Darren Fletcher (knee) and Louis Saha (hamstring) remain sidelined through injury.

Provisional squad: Van der Sar, Neville, Brown, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Evra, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Scholes, Anderson, Hargreaves, Carrick, Giggs, Park, Rooney, Tevez, Kuszczak, Foster, Pique, Welbeck.