Hargreaves, who has played just three games since the move because of tendinitis, would start against Middlesbrough in the Premier League at the weekend, Ferguson told reporters.

"Owen is fit and he will play which is great news. We did the right thing with him," Ferguson said.

"We tried to get him through without injections but couldn't do it. He had an injection a few weeks ago and he is ready to play now.

"He's been frustrated as he has only played three games for us. That isn't what he came here for.

"He has fantastic speed about him and he sees danger very quickly. He has a good attitude and he will do a good job for us."

In the absence of Hargreaves and his fellow injured midfielder Michael Carrick, Brazilian Anderson has taken his chance to impress Ferguson.

"He has good talent but the thing that has impressed me the most is his knowledge of the game," Ferguson said of the teenager.

"I have noticed he was directing players around him and that's good to see in a 19-year-old. He is quick around the place. He can attack and defend and has a lot of ability going for him."

United, second in the Premier League behind Arsenal, host Middlesbrough on Saturday.