Hargreaves´ shock return ends in more misery

Owen Hargreaves lasted less than five minutes in his first Premier League start since September 2008 as the Manchester United midfielder limped off against Wolves at Old Trafford.

Hargreaves seemed to have been written out of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans this season as he struggled to overcome long-term knee problems.

But the England star was surprisingly included in the United line-up on Saturday for his first senior appearance since coming on as a substitute for less than a minute at Sunderland last season.

Hargreaves’ first touch was greeted by cheers from the home support, but less than five minutes had gone before the former Bayern Munich player, having just crossed from the right, came to the touchline holding his hamstring.

There was clearly a problem and, although Hargreaves tried to continue, he quickly turned towards the dug-out and signalled he had to come off.