ESPNsoccernet: England

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said Ashley Young "is on the road back" from injury and should be fit for next month's Champions League games against Real Madrid.

Ashley Young has not had the best of seasons (PA Photos)

Young, 27, suffered a knee injury in United's win over Liverpool at Old Trafford two weeks ago, but it had originally been thought he could have returned at Tottenham last Sunday.

His failure to play in that match led to concerns that the injury was more severe than had been thought, but Ferguson said the England international should be back soon.

"Ashley is not far away. He has done a bit of training and he is on the road back," he explained, saying he was "sure" the winger would face Jose Mourinho's side.

Ferguson said defender Jonny Evans was ruled out of the FA Cup fourth round tie against 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," he said. "But the fact we have Chris Smalling and Phil Jones fit is a big bonus to us."