Sir Alex Ferguson believes Paul Scholes is crucial as United look to edge closer to the Premiership title.
The 32-year-old midfielder was sent off against Liverpool at Anfield, but after serving his three-match ban he is available for the Premiership visit of Blackburn on Saturday.
Having chosen to retire from international football, Scholes is one of the few United players who has not been involved in the Euro 2008 qualifiers in the last two weeks.
Since being sent off against Liverpoool on 3 March, his only outing has been in the European Celebration match at Old Trafford on 15 March. Sir Alex, therefore, feels the playmaking midfielder should be fit and fresh as the season enters the final straight.
"Paul regards family life as very important," Sir Alex told Sky Sports.
"He knows what the travelling with the international team is like and, coming to his age, I think he felt it was time to give more time to his family. That is the reason he gave up international football.
"His form this season has been absolutely fantastic and now we are getting him back fresh after a little break."
The United boss is likely to have Louis Saha back at his disposal following a hamstring injury, while Edwin van der Sar (calf), Ole Gunnar Solksjaer (knee) and Darren Fletcher (ankle) could also be recalled after recent lay-offs.
yes very fresh and good to go!