Fergie won't risk Owen

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed he will not risk Michael Owen in Manchester United's final UEFA Champions League group game against Valencia.

Owen is back in training following a hamstring injury and took part in Monday's open session ahead of the Spanish club's visit.

The striker's participation in the session prompted suggestions the 30-year-old could be on the bench for Tuesday's game at Old Trafford.

However, Ferguson wants to give the former Liverpool striker more time to build up his fitness and the Sunday 19th December date with Chelsea appears a likely target for his comeback.

"Michael has no chance of being involved tomorrow," said the United manager.

"He returned to training in the middle of last week but we are going to make sure he gets two more weeks behind him.

"We don't want to take any risks because it was probably our fault he was injured last time."

Ferguson reported no fresh injuries ahead of the game, and that he intends to field his strongest team as United look to collect the point required to confirm top spot in Group C.

Midfielder Paul Scholes and defender Patrice Evra trained separately and were watched by Ferguson as they went through their paces.

Defensive duo Wes Brown and Jonny Evans were absent, along with more long-term injury victims Antonio Valencia and Owen Hargreaves.