Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Ryan Giggs could be fit for next week's Manchester derby - and is "monitoring" Wayne Rooney's fitness.
Giggs has played just once since the end of September after being struck down by a hamstring complaint and was among half a dozen key United players to stay at home ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League encounter with Bursa.
However, the veteran Welshman returned to training last Thursday and is in contention for the trip to Eastlands on November 10, a game which has now taken on greater significance given the pressure that is mounting on Roberto Mancini.
"Ryan started training last Thursday," confirmed Ferguson. "It was just general stuff with the physios. He should be ready in 10 to 14 days but it is possible he could be ready for the derby."
However, Ferguson is sticking to his assessment that Rooney will miss out, even though the England striker has started training again after his brief break in Dubai to recover from his much-publicised ankle injury.
"He did a bit of running yesterday for the first time," said Ferguson. "I was quite surprised and he is keen to get back. But we are monitoring the situation with the lad.
"He is just jogging and not doing much but when players can start jogging it gives you better circulation than just being in the gym.
"But I still think it will be three weeks."
Ferguson also confirmed four players - Anderson, Jonny Evans, Darron Gibson and Federico Macheda - have missed out this week due to a virus.
Another absentee is Rio Ferdinand, who insists he has not been omitted due to his long-standing back complaint, but Ferguson acknowledged a degree of caution was being taken.
"We have decided to leave him at home," said Ferguson. "He has come on very well in the last few weeks but the form of Chris Smalling makes it easier for me in that respect."
