Sir Alex Ferguson's help for Robert Thornton

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is set to help ardent Liverpool fan Robert Thornton get back to full fitness.

The jump jockey suffered extensive ligament damage to his right knee in a fall at Newton Abbot in July and, following surgery, he hopes to get back six months ahead of schedule.

Thornton said: "It is progressing well and I am aiming for a return in January. My surgeon, Jonathan Webb, originally told me I would be riding again in 12 months but I am working on six."

Ferguson, who part-owns dual Grade One-winning chaser What A Friend, has invited 'Choc' to Old Trafford as he continues his rehabilitation.

Thornton said: "I'm really looking forward to it. I'm a Liverpool fan and I don't think Sir Alex knows that but I'll be kinder towards United in future.

"He's been fantastic and it will be unbelievable to go up there. I have been invited to use their gym and it will be useful to get an insight on how they treat knee injuries."

Alan King's stable jockey admits he's incredibly frustrated by the lay-off, yet has been busier than ever undertaking media work and spending two hours in the gym each day in Lambourn.

Looking ahead to the jump season as it gets into full swing, Thornton added: "The stable didn't have the high-profile winners it usually has last season and there should be some nicely handicapped horses this season.

"We hope Medermit will be a leading contender for the Arkle Chase and Mille Chief could be anything.

"He's rated 132 and we'll start him off in the Tote Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle [Chepstow, 23 October], then think about the Greatwood Hurdle [Cheltenham, 14 November]."

He added: "I'd love to ride 40 winners to get my 1,000th by the end of the season but for the moment, I'd just looking forward to getting back."