Johnsen sets January date for United return

Manchester United defender Ronny Johnsen has come through a knee operation successfully and has told the club that he will be back in action next January.

United are looking for defensive signings after the injury to the Norwegian international who was considered to be a doubt for the entire season after persistent knee trouble during the last campaign. His last game for the club was the European Cup final win and he missed the pre season training campaign. United have been linked with a bid to sign Aston Villa defender Ugo Ehiogu before the deadline for Champions league registration which falls on August 31st. The defender's agent denied Ehiogu was about to move and United have been scouting for several other centre backs. The news from Johnsen though may see them turn to the youth team for reinforcements until the new year with Wes Brown set to make a comeback in the first team after a knee injury sometime later next month.