BACK TO WORK

Last updated : 09 July 2003 By Editor

United trio Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Nicky Butt all reported back for the first days training yesterday after recovering from injuries that laid them up all summer. United's new signing David Bellion was also there as Fergie tries to get the players into shape for the pre-season tour of the US.

Gary Neville was happy to be back. He said:

"It's been my aim since when I had the injury, to get fit for the start of this season and everything seems to have gone well so far.

"It had been causing me problems a few weeks before I had the operation and it just got to the stage where I felt I wanted to be fit for the new season.

"For one reason or another I seem to have missed pre-season for something like four out of the last five. That has always left me catching up with the rest of the lads because although it's most difficult period in terms of work and is also where you get the basis of your fitness for the season,"