Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists there was nothing sinister in Paul Scholes' absence from training yesterday.

The missing veteran made headline news yesterday ahead of tonight's Europa League tie with Athletic Bilbao.

"We just gave Paul a day off," said Ferguson. "We gave him a rest. He was indoors. Paul and Ryan [Giggs] don't train every day. We give them certain days off.

"Cleverley's back training today with the first team. He's been with the physios for a few days but he's now back in our control. [Antonio] Valencia should join us on Monday. Then, apart from Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher, that gives us a full squad. Hopefully it stays that way until the end of the season."