Ronaldo set for run-out

MANCHESTER United will use tonight’s Carling Cup third-round tie against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford as a perfect opportunity to step up Cristiano Ronaldo’s return.

After substitute appearances against Villarreal and Chelsea Ronaldo, back after ankle surgery, is set to make his first start.

Ronaldo is named in a 20-strong squad and assistant manager Mike Phelan said: “Cristiano is maybe a couple of weeks behind everybody else in terms of fitness. He knows he still needs a few more minutes to get to the level he wants and tonight is a great opportunity to do that.”

United, who suffered an embarrassing home defeat by Coventry City at the same stage 12 months ago, will have a far more experienced side as Anderson, Nani, Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves and Tomasz Kuszczak are expected to be involved.