Sir Alex Ferguson put out a strong hint that Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves could be ready for a long-awaited comeback.

The former Bayern Munich man has been out since September 2008 with a serious knee injury but could be ready to face AC Milan in 12 days time.

The Mirror reported that Hargreaves who is back in training with the Red Devils seems to be stepping up his fitness regime.

Even Ferguson seems confident that the forgotten man of United will come through his injury nightmare in time to face David Beckham and his Milan side.

Ferguson said: "I would like to seem him make the squad for the Champions League fixtures against AC Milan, but we won't rush him.

"We are being patient with the rehabilitation following his knee operations and he is alternating his training with the reserve and first-team squads, working for two days and then resting a day.

"It's a matter of him regaining his confidence and, when he is able to train every day, that will be the moment for him to return to match play."

Hargreaves' return will ease the pressure on the ageing legs of Paul Scholes who has been United's key man in central midfield with Anderson seemingly on Fergie's unwanted list.