Michael Carrick back in Fergie's good books following Champions League winner

Sir Alex Ferguson says Michael Carrick is back in his good books after scoring Manchester United's winner against Wolfsburg.

Carrick lost his place because of his costly mistake in the Champions League Final defeat to Barcelona and Ferguson is delighted that he has redeemed himself.

"It doesn't do any harm scoring a goal - that applies to all the players," said the United manager. "He really did enjoy himself, and him and Anderson did play particularly well for us.

"I think he's been a bit of a slow starter since coming to us and it's normally around October that he gets into his stride. We're seeing that now."

Ferguson revealed that Michael Owen will be out for up to three weeks with his groin injury - dashing his hopes of an England recall.

"With groin injuries it's difficult to say, maybe two or three weeks," he said. "His fitness levels are very good, so that's not an issue. He shouldn't be too long."

Ferguson also claimed that Ben Foster would return in goal for Saturday's clash with Sunderland after handing Tomasz Kuszczak a surprise start last night.

"Tomasz had a very good performance last week against Wolves and we felt that he deserved to play another game," he said.

"It wasn't going to be last Saturday because it was important to give support to Ben and he had a difficult game against Manchester City. This was a very good opportunity to play Tomasz, but Ben will play on Saturday."

United take a three-point lead into their double header with CSKA Moscow and Ferguson feels they can book their last 16 place in the Champions League in those two games.

"I thought it was a marvellous performance from us and if we can navigate our next two games against CSKA Moscow, we should be through," he said.