Valencia boost for United

Winger could return ahead of scheduled to face Tottenham



Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping Antonio Valencia can return from injury to feature in Manchester United's trip to title rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the start of March.

Valencia suffered a hamstring injury in the first leg of the Europa League tie against Ajax last week after coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 win. The winger was initially expected to be sidelined for around a month, however, Valencia appears primed for a swift return to action.

Ferguson is optimistic that the Ecuador international will be available for selection when United head to White Hart Lane on Sunday 4th March. "The availability of Ashley Young and Nani as natural wide players considerably strengthens our attacking options," wrote the United manager in the official matchday programme for Thursday's return meeting against Ajax.

"And I am sure our strikers are pleased to see them. "They will be sorry to see Antonio Valencia injured again because he too provides great service from out on his wing, but it's not a particularly serious injury and he should be back in a week or so." In the absence of Valencia, the Red Devils started with Nani and Young in the wide positions for Ajax's visit to Old Trafford. - http://www1.skysports.com/