Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his contentment at the improved state of the pitch at Old Trafford.

The Scotsman revealed his concerns over the playing surface earlier this month, claiming that the pitch had "worn out" over the hectic festive schedule.

"I must say, the one thing that is going to help us [in this period] is that the pitch has improved a tremendous amount," Ferguson told MUTV.

"Against Reading it was much, much better. It was not as good as the start of the season obviously but it is getting there. With a further 10 days between the Reading and Norwich games, I expect it to be back to normal."

The pitch will be replaced at the end of the season.