Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has declared Owen Hargreaves fit and ready to start against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The England international has been restricted to just three appearances since his £18million move from Bayern Munich after failing to shrug off a knee problem.

However, an injection to cure swelling caused by tendonitis appears to have worked and the 26-year-old is now in line to face Boro.

"Owen is fit to start tomorrow (Saturday)," said Ferguson.

"It's been frustrating for him, missing games is not what he came here for. He's come here for a big fee and he must be a bit disappointed with the way things have gone.

"But it is a long season and he is back now which is terrific news for us because it gives us a better chance of doing well."