Brown back to boost United glory bid

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wes Brown’s return from injury could not be better timed as the club look to clean up when the trophies are handed out at the end of the season.

Brown has missed the last 15 matches because of a foot injury and will sit out Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final with Everton.

But the England defender is back in training and could have a run out with United’s reserves next week with a view to making himself available for the crucial run-in.

Having already secured the FIFA Club World Championship and the League Cup, United are chasing success in the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League.

And Ferguson believes 29-year-old Brown can play a key role in helping the club sweep up.

“Wes Brown has started training with the first team again and that’s great news,” said the United manager. “I’m contemplating playing him in a reserve game soon.

“It’s maybe a bit early, but given the time of the season and the important games we have got coming up, we may rush him back. It’s a thought.

“It will be good to have him available because he is such a fantastic defender. His availability would give us options.”

Meanwhile, Ferguson has restated his criticism of the decision to play this season’s FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium.

United take on Everton in the last four on Sunday after the venue has staged the tie between London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal on Saturday.

Ferguson believes the Football Association should have left Wembley for the final and staged his team’s clash closer to home.

“It used to be that the only way to get to Wembley was to get to the final,” said Ferguson.

“There are some great players who never got the chance to play there. It’s hard to take that the semi final is at Wembley when the final is there as well.”