Owen Hargreaves has made a successful playing return for Manchester United reserves.

There were no meaty challenges during United's reserve-team encounter with Burnley, or many trademark bursts of acceleration. But just to get through 45 minutes of football after 18 months on the sidelines was a welcome relief for the 29-year-old.

Understandably, Hargreaves did not push his body too hard.

The midfielder knows there will be plenty of opportunity to do that.

For now he will be happy to get some minutes under his belt after so long out, get himself back into a competitive environment again and know there are more matches to look forward to, possibly at Burnley in the return fixture next week.