The Red Devils' top marksman last season is set to make his first appearance this term, following an ankle surgery in the summer.

"Ronaldo is training now, he's with the first-team," Ferguson told United's official website.

"He's come on leaps and bounds. He's likely to be involved next week.

"I think we mentioned a couple of weeks ago he was making rapid progress in terms of overcoming the injury problem he had and the training he's been doing with the physios and Tony Strudwick the fitness coach.

"He's been making great strides in the direction towards the first-team."

United will defend their European title against Celtic and Aalborg, alongside Villarreal.