England defender Rio Ferdinand could return to action for Manchester United’s first Premier League game against Newcastle United at Old Trafford (United 2/1 with Betfred to win the Premier League).

The United captain injured his knee in the first England World Cup squad training session in Rustenberg and missed the whole tournament where the Three Lions were very disappointing.

A statement on the club’s website dismissed rumours that the player could be out for a number of months with the injury.

It read: “A ten-week absence has been estimated for the defender, dating back to when his injury was sustained, in pre-World Cup training on Friday June 4.”

On that basis, Ferdinand could be ready by Friday 13 August – currently the eve of the first league game against Newcastle United at Old Trafford, although fixture changes for live television broadcasts have yet to be announced.

If Ferdinand does not recover from the injury in time he could feature against Fulham in United’s second Premier League game at Craven Cottage.

United (7/1 to win the Champions League) will be looking to win the Premier League title back from rivals Chelsea after the Blues completed the domestic double for the first time in their history.