Although he has done some training this week, the England defender has no hope of playing against West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday and Ferguson accepts Neville will need to step up his fitness programme significantly if he is to have a chance of turning out against Chelsea at the ’new’ Wembley on May 19.

“Gary has done some light running this week and a bit more aggressive work this morning,” revealed Ferguson.

“But obviously, he is up against it as far as the FA Cup final is concerned.

“We will give him every chance because he deserved it. But he will have to do some serious work next week and unfortunately I have my doubts whether he will make it.”

After missing three FA Cup finals already for various reasons, and the World Cup final through suspension, Saha’s bad-luck curse has struck again.

The Frenchman, whose United future is open to major doubt, was due to feature against Manchester City last weekend, only to report pain in his knee.

“Louis was pencilled in to play against City but unfortunately, he picked up a problem in his knee and he was still feeling it on Saturday morning,” said Ferguson.

Asked if Saha had any chance of returning against Chelsea, the Scot replied: “I would say not, no.”