"A major plus for us is the return of Nicky after nearly three months on the
sidelines. Losing Roy Keane with his hip injury generated more headlines. But
Butty is just as important to us and it's going to make a big difference having
him back. For me, Butty has been playing by far the best football of his career
in the last couple of seasons."
"And while a few people seemed surprised by his performances for England
at the World Cup, no one at United was shocked because he was superb last
season. It will inevitably take him time to regain his sharpness and full match-
fitness. But he's coming back at the business end of the season and he will
give us that edge just when we need it."