Manchester United striker Robin van Persie could return to action before the end of the season, despite initial expectations that the Dutchman would not play again in this campaign.

The 30-year-old, who was linked with an Old Trafford exit under former boss David Moyes, has been recuperating in his homeland after suffering a knee injury last month.

Giggs, who will take charge of first-team duties until the end of the season, has refused to rule out a surprise return for the former Arsenal captain.

"We'll just have to wait and see how he goes this week," the Daily Mail quotes Giggs as saying. "He came back last Friday and he trained well. He just needs to work on his fitness now so, yeah, he looked great."

Meanwhile, reports have claimed that Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti are United's only candidates to permanently replace Moyes, who was sacked last week.