Alex Ferguson believes injured player Alan Smith will be back in action by the beginning of September.
Smith has now abandoned his crutches and even managed a light jog round Manchester United's training complex last week as he continued his recovery from the horrific double leg break he suffered during the FA Cup defeat at Liverpool in February.
The £6million former Leeds star has been reluctant to put a timescale on his comeback, knowing just how delicate the recovery process can be.
However, while Ferguson does not expect the 25-year-old to be back in time to play a significant part in United's pre-season campaign, he does think a September return is a realistic proposition.
"Alan may be a bit late for the start of the season but I would think he will be back towards the beginning of September," Ferguson told Manchester United Radio.
"He still has a bit of a limp but he was out on the training ground last week walking around and went for a little jog."
