Man United optimism dwindling over injury-hit Hargreaves

The 29-year-old made his first start since September 2008 in  November but lasted just five minutes before leaving the pitch  with a hamstring problem.

He has not played since and manager Alex Ferguson said the  player had been sent to Munich, where he used to play for German  champions Bayern before moving to Old Trafford in 2007 for 17  million pounds ($26.64 million), to see a specialist.

When asked if Hargreaves could ever play again consistently  for the club, Ferguson told a news conference on Monday: “We’re  all concerned. He hasn’t played for over two years.

“You would have to be a super optimist to think everything  will be rosy for him in terms of making comebacks. What we’re  really trying to do is help the lad, that in itself is the  biggest challenge … To try and help him get back to a level  where he can still play football.”

ormer England international Hargreaves’ career has been  cursed by chronic tendinitis in his knees which has required  surgery. His United contract runs until the end of this season.