Paul Scholes could make a quick return to action following an exploratory knee operation after he was named in the Manchester United squad to face Dunfermline in a friendly on Wednesday night.

The 32-year-old former England midfielder was expected to miss the start of the new Barclays Premier League season after flying home early from United's tour to Asia last month.

However, following the minor operation Scholes will join the United party heading north, with another team due to face Glentoran in Belfast.

If he plays some part at East End Park, he looks set to take a place on the bench for Sunday's opening game of the season against Reading at Old Trafford.