Rojo boost for Reds

MARCOS Rojo will take a major step towards a return to United first-team action in the club’s reserve team game tonight.

United will face Athletic Club in the Premier League International Cup at Leigh Sports Village – and the Argentine defender has confirmed he will feature.

If all goes well, he is aiming to turn out for Jose Mourinho’s side in their final Champions League group game against CSKA Moscow next month.

Rojo has been out since April after damaging his cruciate ligament in the Europa League win over Anderlecht.

He will play some part against the Bilbao club and, with the Manchester derby on December 10 – just five days after the CSKA game – he has a clear incentive.

Rojo said yesterday: “Tomorrow I am going to play a match with the reserves in a friendly match.

“I feel good. Up until now I have not had any problems but training is not the same as a match so I will play 45 minutes tomorrow for the reserves.

“In three weeks we have a Champions League game and if all goes well tomorrow I could play in that.”

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho is hopeful Phil Jones will be fit for United’s clash with Newcastle on Saturday.

The defender suffered a thigh injury during England’s 0-0 draw with Germany on Friday and was sent back to Manchester for treatment over the weekend. But it is believed the problem is not a serious one – and after a week’s recuperation the hope is he will be back at the heart of Mourinho’s defence against Rafa Benitez’s side.

United special: Pages 53-55