Manchester United's title hopes have been boosted by news that even more players are close to returning from injury.

United's emphatic 5-0 thrashing of West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Tuesday, coupled with Liverpool's failure to beat Wigan a day later, has seen the Red Devils open up a two point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League. They have also played one game fewer than their nearest rivals.

Having had to endure a whole host of injuries this season, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is now adamant that the mini Old Trafford injury crisis will soon be a thing of the past - an ominous sign for the BPL's chasing pack.

Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown and Park Ji-sung all returned to action against West Brom, while both Patrice Evra and Nani are close to returning for the crucial clash with Everton on Saturday.

Not surprisingly, Ferguson is delighted by the situation.

"Things are looking up and players are starting to come back," he told MUTV.

"Patrice may have a chance against Everton. If the game had still been on Monday I'd say he'll definitely play. But he's still got a chance of making it.

"Nani should also be fit for Saturday as well. The ones still unavailable are Jonny Evans, Rafael and Fabio, and Anderson."

"However, Wayne Rooney has never had a hamstring injury before and there is no way we will bring him back early.

"He's doing terrific work in the gym and, in terms of his rehabilitation, he is on the mend. But we said at the time he was injured that it would be three or four weeks before he would be fit and there is no change there."