Manchester, England (My Sportsbook) - Manchester United is keeping close tabs on Standard Liege's Belgium midfielder Steven Defour.

The 21-year-old is currently sidelined by a foot injury, but United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has written to Defour to wish him all the best in his recovery.

That correspondence read: "I have just heard about your injury and, in the name of Manchester United, I would like to wish you a full and speedy recovery.

"I am sure at the moment you must be feeling awful and that you'll have all kinds of questions.

"Steven, these are natural worries, but I have to tell you that modern medicine and treatments are incredible, you have to have confidence in them.

"I'm going to follow your progress closely and I will remain in contact with your club to have news of your recovery."

Defour subsequently confirmed that the letter had been passed on to him via his current club.

He added in Het Laatste Nieuws: "One thing I should like to highlight is that Ferguson has followed his interest officially. He addressed the letter to Standard.

"I think the attention is great, but I do not want people think I am already at Manchester, which is no means the case.

"But if they come knocking, then I would obviously not cause problems."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)