Sir Alex Ferguson has played down concerns regarding Paul Scholes' fitness and revealed that Anderson is ready to return to his starting XI.
Veteran midfielder rested as Anderson comes back into contention
Sir Alex Ferguson has played down concerns regarding Paul Scholes' fitness and revealed that Anderson is ready to return to his starting XI.
Fears regarding Scholes were raised on Wednesday when he missed first-team training ahead of a Europa League clash with Athletic Bilbao.
Ferguson insists the 37-year-old has not picked up a knock and is fit and ready to answer his call if required.
He says the veteran midfielder was merely handed a day off, with it important for him to take regular breaks and save himself for the demands of game day.
"We just gave him a day off. We gave him a rest," said Ferguson.
"He was indoors. Paul and Ryan (Giggs) don't train every day. We give them certain days off."
Quality
It was expected that Scholes would sit out Thursday's home date with Bilbao after figuring in Sunday's Premier League victory over Tottenham.
His absence would open up a place in the middle of the park, and Ferguson has revealed that Anderson could be the man to step in after returning to the bench at White Hart Lane.
He said: "Anderson was a sub on Sunday. He's back now and fit, training very well. He'll be involved tomorrow. It's good to get a player of that quality back for the run-in.
"It's an exciting time at the club. We had a fantastic result on Sunday. If we have the full squad available for us it's going to help us."
Tom Cleverley's return will also aid United's quest for multiple honours, while Antonio Valencia is set to come back into contention in the near future.
Control
"Cleverley's back training with the first team," said Ferguson.
"He's been with the phyios for a few days but he's now back in our control.
"Valencia should join us on Monday. Then, apart from (Nemanja) Vidic and (Darren) Fletcher, that gives us a full squad. Hopefully it stays that way until the end of the season."
Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard is another closing on a return to full fitness after suffering ankle ligament damage in January.
"Anders is training now," said Ferguson.
"He's doing the running but it will take two or three weeks before he gets to the football side of it. He's progressing very well, though."
