Update: Manchester clubs

Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced Ashley Young will be fit for Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid next month.

Ashley Young sustained a knee injury in the victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford a fortnight ago and Sir Alex Ferguson expected the England international to return for last weekend’s draw at Tottenham. The former Aston Villa man did not make it and there have been claims the injury is much longer term that Ferguson first anticipated.

However, the United boss insisted Young is not far away from a return and will be fit to face Jose Mourinho’s men. And he said: “Ashley is not far away. He has done a bit of training and he is on the road back.”

Asked whether he would be fit for the Real Madrid games, Ferguson replied: “I am sure of that.”

Ferguson also confirmed Jonny Evans would miss the FA Cup tie with Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday with a hamstring injury.

“It has taken a bit longer than we thought but he has done a bit of training too,” said Ferguson. “But the fact we have Chris Smalling and Phil Jones fit is a big bonus to us.”

Meanwhile, Ferguson refused to discuss the furore around comments Gary Neville made about David de Gea on TV this week.

Neville was critical of De Gea’s weak punch at White Hart Lane, which led to Tottenham’s injury-time equaliser.

That led to claims from TalkSPORT presenter Richard Keys that Neville had been ordered to make the comments, which have been dismissed by all parties.

“I am not getting into that at all,” said Ferguson. “You have to listen to some idiots in the game.”

Meanwhile on the other side of Manchester, City manager Roberto Mancini has dismissed the latest rumours linking striker Mario Balotelli with a move to AC Milan.

There has been constant speculation suggesting that Mario Balotelli could join the San Siro giants throughout the current transfer window. The noises coming out of Italy tend to vary but after suggestions Milan had been priced out of a permanent deal for the 22-year-old, there are now reports he could move on loan.

But Mancini said: “It is not true, Mario stays here. We didn’t have any requests about Mario or other players.”

Mancini has maintained this firm line on the possibility of Balotelli leaving the Etihad Stadium, even after a training-ground bust-up with the player earlier this month.

Tags: AC Milan, Ashley Young, Aston Villa, Champions League, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Old Trafford, Real Madrid, Sir Alex Ferguson, TalkSPORT, Tottenham