Earlier: Gary Back & Rio Signs

My updates over the last couple of days were conspicous by their absence - so I'm trying to rectify that.

On Friday, we have learnt that Gary Neville will travel to Middlesbrough with the squad. Nemanja Vidic's injury opened the way for the skipper who was withdrawn from Thursday's reserve game in order to be ready for first-team action.

With only five substitutes allowed, it's unlikely he will figure in the match squad but I think even his presence can be a boost - not that our players are low on confidence!

On the very same day Sir Alex revealed that Rio Ferdinand is on the brink of signing a new contract. The defender wants to finish his career at Old Trafford, he's in the form of his life and is the leader of the best back four in the club's history. So everything is set up nicely for an extension.

In brief: Nani is still not ready to make his comeback after injury but Sir Alex is sure he'll be fit for the Roma game and there's no more news about Vidic - it will be two or three weeks, no more, no less.