Kleberson in line for United debut

World Cup winner Kleberson could have put himself in the frame for Manchester United's game against Newcastle on Saturday.

World Cup winner Kleberson could have put himself in the frame for Manchester United's game against Newcastle on Saturday.

In front of manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the Brazil midfielder looked mobile and athletic in his first appearance last night despite the reserves losing 2-0 to Blackburn.

More importantly he got through the full 90 minutes at Altrincham without any apparent problems with his fitness and, with Nicky Butt limping off the field in England's 3-1 win over Croatia last night, there appears to be an opening for him.

The £6 million sterling buy from Atletico Paranaense was thrilled to get a game under his belt in England.

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"It has been very good for me to come out and join the group and pull on the red shirt of Manchester United," he told MUTV. "I am absolutely delighted. The game was played at a pace I wanted and I got a lot of the ball".

England defender Gary Neville could also come into contention for the game at Newcastle after a 64-minute run-out.

He had only returned from a broken foot when he suffered a torn hamstring against Celtic in the first game of United's American tour.