Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that injured veterans Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are both recovering well from their long-term injuries.
Neville has been out of action with a damaged ankle since March, while Scholes needed knee surgery in October but the pair, who have made 1,088 United appearances between them, are on schedule to return.
"Gary Neville's training with the team," Sir Alex revealed. "What we need to do with Gary is get him a game. The Reserves league is closed down of course during the Christmas period, but once that starts up that's one avenue.
"We have to look about, maybe even practice matches and that sort of thing to get some more intensity into his training. Game situations will bring him on a good bit. We're happy with his progress, we're assured he's ok now and it's just a matter of getting him games."
While the return of club captain Neville would add further steel and experience to United's miserly backline, the Reds' forwards will be eagerly awaiting the comeback of midfield schemer Scholes.
"Paul's doing nice, easy running now," said Sir Alex. "That was the plan. He's out of the pot he was in and the time we set for him was roundabout February, and I don't think we'll be far off.
"Probably the middle of February to be on the safe side, but he's certainly doing very well."