It’s amazing to think that Owen Hargreaves was registered in Manchester United’s European squad for the group stages, so confident were the club that the midfielder would make his return before Christmas.

Months have flown by and Hargreaves was still out, although did get a run out for a few minutes at the end of the season, much to our relief.

However, it looks as though that happiness is to be short lived, with Hargreaves back in treatment.

“The bad news is that Owen Hargreaves is back in America seeing the specialist,” said Ferguson. “He won’t be ready for the start of the season. I don’t know when he’ll be back.”

Having a player like Owen Hargreaves fit could make all the difference to our season. When will it be time to draw a line under this one and find someone new?

As for other injuries, Anderson will be back by the end of September, Michael Owen will be back for the start of the season and Rio Ferdinand is aiming for the same return.