Manchester United are due for a busy week ahead of the international break, with a crucial FA Cup tie upcoming against Liverpool.
The international break is the backdrop to Manchester United’s season-defining FA Cup tie with Liverpool this weekend.
Erik ten Hag‘s side have to win the quarter-final to keep hopes of silverware alive in 2023/24, and aim to get a number of players back for the fixture.
Ten Hag has already revealed he aims to get three players back, Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka returns
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was the first of the three players to be pictured in training from Tuesday’s session at Carrington.
Ten Hag had claimed the right-back was back at the training ground, speaking after the win over Everton, and it is good to see the defender is on course.
This will finally mean Manchester United finally have two fit full-backs, allowing Diogo Dalot to switch out to cover at left-back.
Victor Lindelof filled in at the position in the last game, earning praise. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain sidelined through injury.
Rasmus Hojlund expected
Another player on course to return is striker Rasmus Hojlund, after his international manager let it slip, announcing his squad for their upcoming fixtures.
Kasper Hjulmand told Danish outlet Campo: ““It is clear that Rasmus will play on Sunday against Liverpool, and must get through the game well. We expect that.”
Well, that’s great news obviously. Hojlund has been out injured since mid-February and has missed the last four games in all competitions.Anthony Martial is out still, meaning United have been working without a striker.
But to look at a negative, Hjulmand has just ruined United’s element of surprise. Liverpool now know exactly what to expect. Perhaps Ten Hag will play down his chances of making it, just to keep them guessing.
Hjulmand separately expressed concern over Christian Eriksen‘s lack of usage at Manchester United, noting it as less than ideal from Denmark’s perspective.
Harry Maguire latest
The third player expected to return is centre-back Harry Maguire, who has been much improved this season.
The Mail report he has declared himself available for international duty with England, and ‘anticipates’ making his return for Manchester United this Sunday.
He’s yet to be pictured in training, but like Hojlund, there is plenty of time for both to make an appearance and get some sessions in before the upcoming game at Old Trafford.
Maguire will be competing with Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof for a starting spot alongside Raphael Varane.
Mason Mount close
The real surprise was seeing Mason Mount pictured at training. He had not been expected back until after the international break.
Mount’s return was above expectations, because he was a full participant, running with teammates and doing ball drills, and not just training individually as part of a phased comeback.
He has not played since November, and is lacking match fitness, so it is questionable whether he is in the matchday squad this weekend.
However, with United’s squad stretched, with untested youngster Toby Collyer on the bench in recent weeks, Mount could find himself involved, especially considering the magnitude of the game.
Kobbie Mainoo plan signed off
Kobbie Mainoo has been one of Manchester United’s best players this season, with the 18-year-old in line to start against Liverpool this weekend.
He has made 21 appearances since returning from injury in November, and there has even been talk he might make the England squad.
According toThe Mail, Mainoo won’t be called up, and instead, he is in line to get the call to England’s under-21 squad for the first time.
Erik ten Hag has reportedly given this plan his blessing, and is happy for Mainoo to continue his international development, and England are not rushing him.
It’s still possible he makes the Euro 2024 squad, but it would be better for Manchester United if he didn’t. Let’s allow the teenager to rest in the summer, before we hit next season, which will kick off with a tour of the United States, again, with three fixtures confirmed already.