“They will return”: Ten Hag says 4 Man Utd stars will be back in January, with ‘two class players’ also close
Manchester United begin 2024 with an unusual fixture for the Red Devils – an away cup tie.
Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff will be packing their bags for the first time at Manchester United in the cup – but they won’t be going very far.
They’re set to take on Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium, in an away FA Cup tie that is United’s first away draw since Leicester City back on the 21st of March 2021… a lot has happened since then.
Ten Hag has spoken to club media before the game, giving a positive update on six Manchester United stars returning from injury.
Four Manchester United players back for Erik ten Hag in January
Speaking to Manchester United’s official club website ahead of the Wigan clash, Ten Hag gave an update on four Manchester United men who have been sidelined for some time now, and it’s good news.
He was asked if he had any other updates on the rest of the squad that have been missing – to which he responded:
Yeah, I think players are on the point to return on the grass, to return on the pitch. Like Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount. There are players I think during January they will return back into the team.”
Excellent news for Red Devils fans. Shaw and Malacia will be welcomed back with open arms, particularly given the fact the club recently confirmed the termination of Sergio Reguilon‘s loan deal.
Maguire is also a big plus. Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane have fared well in his absence, but the England international will be dually needed for competent rotational options.
Mount’s return is also good news, his career really does start now at Old Trafford.
Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez also close
Ten Hag also provided an update on two more returnees – Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro. Two of his signings will need a little longer than the rest of the group to recover by the sounds of things.
He was told it was exciting to see them back on the training pitch after some time out and then was asked how happy he was to see their progress and, ultimately, what their impact on the squad would be. He said:
“Two class players and they will bring the team forward. We know that and now we’re looking forward to their return in the team on matchdays. But we have to wait for that.
“They still need some time to fully make their comeback but yeah, it is a good signal that they are back on the grass with the team, in the team training. Now, we have to make the next step [to get them] fully in the team training, and then they can work with us.”
Really positive signs all around. The chaotic injury period may finally be coming to an end at Carrington… we hope.
