United reinforced by striker's Ruud health

Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy could be back for their match at Everton on Saturday if he comes through training without a problem.

The 28-year-old Holland striker will return to United's Carrington training base today after almost three months out with an Achilles injury.

Sir Alex Ferguson has always maintained van Nistelrooy's major target was the Champions League clash with AC Milan on February 23 and has indicated he would be happy to let the former PSV Eindhovenstriker play against the Italians without the benefit of a warm-up game.

But if van Nistelrooy proves his fitness during the week, a spot on the bench for the FA Cup encounter at Goodison Park is a possibility.

"Ruud comes back tomorrow-and we need to assess how far on he is," said the United boss.

"The training he has been doing in Holland has been perfect and I am very satisfied with it.

"There is a chance he could be involved against Everton."