Scholes gives a boost to United's plans

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Scholes missed Manchester United's win over Shenzhen Xiangxue in Macau on Monday after picking up the injury against FC Seoul. He was flown home from the tour of Asia for an exploratory operation amid fears he could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

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Good news: Paul Scholes injury not as bad as first feared

Although the 32-year-old is still expected to miss the Community Shield against Chelsea and Premiership opener at home to Reading, Ferguson said: "Paul's exploratory operation was 100 per cent good news. There was just some bruising on the cartilage. He will be back in three weeks. He's had his pre-season and a few games, so I won't worry about that."

The knee injury update on Scholes' new midfield team-mate Owen Hargreaves was less positive, however, with Ferguson unsure when the £17million signing from Bayern Munich will be able to make his United debut.

"Hargreaves won't be playing at all on the tour," added Ferguson. "It's just tendinitis. It's becoming an irritant rather than a big problem.

"It's something we're going to have to do something about — not an operation, but we may have to give him an injection at some time."

Ferguson has given Alan Smith permission to talk to Middlesbrough, but the forward is reluctant to move to the Riverside.

Boro may now switch their sights to Nantes striker Luigi Pieroni, who could also be a target for Blackburn if they fail to land Bayern Munich's Roque Santa Cruz.