Cleverley close to United comeback

Tom Cleverley is set to hand Manchester United a fitness boost by returning from injury earlier than expected.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had ruled out Cleverley out until Christmas because of ankle ligament damage.

But the Mirror has learned the midfielder is ahead of schedule and could be back in action within three weeks.

The England starlet is undergoing intensive treatment and is now certain to be back in time for the champions' congested Christmas programme.

It is understood United's medical staff have not ruled out him out of what is now a crunch Champions League tie away to Basel on December 7.

United need a point from that game to reach the knockout stage, and with Michael Carrick suspended Cleverley's return could not be better timed.