Sir Alex Ferguson admits Cristiano Ronaldo is 'a little bit ahead' in
his recovery from an ankle operation.

The Manchester United winger underwent surgery earlier in the summer
following the end of Portugal's Euro 2008 campaign.

He was initially ruled out for three months and Ferguson had been
expecting Ronaldo to return to action at the start of October.

Ronaldo has been involved in light training with the champions this
week amid reports he will be fit for the end of September.

And United boss Ferguson concedes the Footballer of the Year is
slightly ahead of schedule in his quest for a first-team comeback.

"He's maybe a little bit ahead," said Ferguson on Sky Sports News.

"He's surprisingly good. He's been jogging all week, but it's only
jogging, there's nothing serious about that."