Sir Alex Ferguson

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s What A Friend faces a stiff task when he returns from a 105-day absence at Newbury on Saturday, where he looks set to go up against the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run.

What A Friend finished a nose behind third-placed Kauto Star when fourth in last year’s Gold Cup, but fell in the Grand National that was won by Ballabriggs at his next start.

The nine-year-old, who is part-owned by the Manchester United manager, reappeared with a distant third to Restless Harry in a Grade 2 Hurdle at Wetherby in October and is one of three runners in Saturday’s Betfair Denman Chase for trainer Paul Nicholls.

“What A Friend has been trained for two races this year, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Punchestown Gold Cup,” Nicholls said. “And I expect Daryl Jacob to ride him in the Gold Cup.”

“He came back really sick from Wetherby but has run well at Newbury before.

“Aiteen Thirtythree will definitely run as Paul [Barber who owns Denman] wants a runner.

“He has been disappointing and not finishing his races off and will run with a tongue-tie and crossed noseband.

“Tidal Bay ran a really good race in the Argento Chase and was going to go straight for the Gold Cup and then on to Aintree but he came out very fresh and well. We stuck him in the Denman Chase and we’ll see what’s in it. He might well run.”