Owen Hargreaves has been out for 18 months after undergoing surgery on both knees.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sir Alex Ferguson wants Owen Hargreaves to focus on Manchester United rather than his World Cup chances when the England midfielder returns to first-team action after an 18-month injury absence.

After requiring surgery on both knees to treat persistent tendinitis, the 29-year-old Hargreaves finally got to play for United again in a reserve team match on Thursday.

United manager Ferguson is keen for Hargreaves to help his side's pursuit of a fourth straight Premier League title. The Calgary-born midfielder has not played for the first team since Sept. 2008.

"Hopefully Owen's back for a continued period now," Ferguson said. "I think he will need a couple more games for the reserves, by that time he should be back in the first-team squad."

The former Bayern Munich player has said he still hopes to make England's World Cup squad for the June 11-July 11 tournament.

"I think we deserve some service. Right?" Ferguson said. "There is nothing wrong with talking about (the World Cup), but he should be concentrating on United."

In another boost to United's quest for a record 19th English championship crown, midfielder Ryan Giggs is back in the squad for Sunday's match against Liverpool.

Giggs has been out since breaking his arm at Aston Villa on Feb. 10, but Ferguson says he is "back, looking good -- nice and fresh."

United has a two-point lead over Chelsea at the top of the league.