United duo set to hand Fergie a lift

CHRIS Smalling and Phil Jones are both expected back on Manchester United duty within the next fortnight.

Sir Alex Ferguson said prior to the recent international break that Smalling was ready to resume training after suffering a broken foot pre–season. But that hasn’t happened.
And while the former Fulham man is making progress, it seems both he and Jones - also yet to make a senior appearance this season following a knee operation, will be returning at roughly the same time.

"Chris has trained with (reserve coach) Warren Joyce for a couple of days now but it is non–contact," said Ferguson.

"The encouraging thing is he is definitely on the way back. I also expect Phil Jones to start on the football side next Monday."

Ferguson was speaking ahead of tonight's Champions League encounter with Braga at Old Trafford, which could again see the use of a new diamond formation, including Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverley.

Ferguson has already confirmed defensive duo Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra will be rested ahead of Sunday's Premier League encounter with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.