Sir Alex Ferguson is expected back behind his desk at Manchester United's Carrington training ground today just hours after undergoing treatment for a minor heart irregularity.
The long-serving United manager, who will celebrate his 62nd birthday on New Year's Eve, entered a Manchester hospital yesterday to address a problem which was originally diagnosed at a routine test several months ago.
Tests, similar to those carried out on Prime Minister Tony Blair last month, revealed there was no underlying problem and the health scare is not likely to affect ongoing talks to extend Ferguson's contract, which is due to expire in May 2005.
"Sir Alex Ferguson received treatment in hospital following a routine check-up several months ago which revealed a minor heart irregularity," said a United statement.
"The procedure went well and Sir Alex Ferguson is resting at home and is due in work today. The treatment revealed he has no underlying heart problem."
Ferguson received his treatment just hours after returning from Birmingham where he watched a largely second-string United side suffer a surprise 2-0 Carling Cup defeat to Nationwide League leaders West Brom.
In the past few weeks, Ferguson has maintained his stance that his decision to perform a U-turn on his widely-publicised retirement plans two years was one of the wisest moves he has ever made.
Ferguson said at the time he felt healthy and able to continue handling the pressures of management at one of the world's biggest clubs and is unlikely to let this minor setback affect his focus.