Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen is returning to Manchester United for Alexander Buttner.

The Mirror says Meulensteen has yet to be won over by John Arne Riise and has already pushed Kieran Richardson forward amid doubts over his defensive qualities.

And the ex-United coach, who is a fan of Buttner, could be reunited with the Dutchman after adding him to his January hit-list of targets.

Buttner is set to leave Old Trafford after failing to oust Patrice Evra since joining in a £5million deal from Vitesse Arnhem 16 months ago.