Owen positive about the future

Owen Hargreaves left for England duty buoyed by the Reds' last two results which have moved them to within two points of the top four.

After a stuttering start to the campaign which encompassed two draws and a defeat in their first three games, the Reds have claimed consecutive 1-0 wins in their last two matches against Tottenham and Sunderland.

United's next match is away to Everton on 15 September by which point Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and possibly Wayne Rooney could all be back in action, while Louis Saha will be a step further on after scoring on his comeback against the Black Cats.

Hargreaves admits United have not yet hit top gear, but he has been encouraged by the dogged determination shown by the team.

"When you look at the break we have now, it is a great opportunity to go into it with a positive experience," he insisted. "The Sunderland game was very similar to the Tottenham one. Our play was a bit slow in the first half and they made it very difficult for us. I was thinking after about 20 minutes this was going to be another tough one.

"We got into our rhythm at the end of the first-half and the second only went one way. We have put ourselves in a good position for when we come back. We have Everton away next and hopefully we can go there and get three points.

"Any time you don't have players like Louis, Wayne and Cristiano it is difficult. They are three of the best players in England," he added in reference to United's recent absentees. "It will be great to have them all back. Ryan was missing as well against Sunderland. Some of our best players were missing. Once we get them all back I am very excited."