[alex18122003]

Champions League - Ronaldo could return for Villarreal

Sir Alex Ferguson is poised to give Cristiano Ronaldo a shock return to action in Manchester United's Champions League opener against Villarreal on Wednesday

The Portuguese winger underwent ankle surgery in July, and was not expected to return until October, but Ferguson is seriously contemplating naming him in his squad for the Old Trafford clash.

"Ronaldo is training now, he's with the first team," Ferguson said.

"He's come on leaps and bounds and I may take him with us tomorrow, who knows?"

Ronaldo was named PFA player of the year last season and won the European Golden Boot for his remarkable return of 31 league goals - that helped United to the Premier League title.

He was also part of the side that beat Chelsea on penalties to win the Champions League final in Moscow.

United, aiming to become the first club to win consecutive Champions League titles since the elite competition was reformed in 1992, will be without the suspended Paul Scholes and midfielder Michael Carrick, who injured his ankle on Saturday.

In the other Group E match on Wednesday, Scottish champions Celtic are favourites to win their opening home match against Danish Champions League debutants AaB Aalborg.