Ferguson optimistic over Hargreaves

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Ferguson had stated that Hargreaves would be missing for at least four weeks with a tendinitis problem but the United boss now feels his return could be slightly more speedy.

"It may be a bit less than four weeks," Ferguson told Manchester United Radio. "Owen should be back training in about 10 days' time, which is good news because he hasn't had the best of luck."

It is possible Hargreaves, who has managed just three Premier League games so far since his £18million summer switch from Bayern Munich, could be in contention to face Aston Villa on October 20.

Certainly, with Michael Carrick out, it would give Ferguson a welcome option in central midfield, where Paul Scholes is currently his only fit player.

"Losing Michael Carrick was a bad blow," said Ferguson. "I went to shake his hand at the end of the game on Tuesday (against Roma) and he couldn't lift his arm.

"I knew he was in pain, so we sent him for an X-ray and it confirmed it was a broken arm. It's a blow especially as his last three performances have been spot on.

"That was the Michael Carrick of last season. I thought he had a slow start to the campaign, but he was gathering momentum again. He was superb against Chelsea, Birmingham and Roma."