Erik ten Hag granted double fitness boost as two senior players return to training at Carrington

Erik ten Hag has been granted two fitness boosts in his squad ahead of Manchester United’s return to action on Sunday.

The Red Devils have returned from their winter break and are now undergoing preparations for the weekend’s fourth-round FA Cup tie away to Newport County.

Last time out on January 14 saw United draw 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford and while the result left a stale taste, supporters were delighted to see Lisandro Martinez make his long-awaited comeback when he was substituted in the second half. Casemiro was also named on the bench for the first time since November 1.

England duo return to training

Now, it appears as though defensive duo Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are nearing full fitness after they were spotted in team training at Carrington on Tuesday. The latter came close to being available for the Spurs clash but was forced to withdraw last minute, which saw Aaron Wan-Bissaka deployed out of position on the left-hand side.

📸 @HarryMaguire93 and @LukeShaw23 have been spotted back at Carrington! 💪#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 23, 2024

Maguire has not featured for United since their final Champions League group-stage game in December; he sustained a groin injury around the 40th-minute mark and was taken off, then subsequently sidelined for the past month.