MANCHESTER UNITED have made the perfect start to life after the World Cup following wins over Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
Erik ten Hag‘s men moved into the top four thanks to Marcus Rashford’s winner at Molineux on Saturday.
And confidence is flowing throughout the team as they prepare to welcome back a couple of big players ahead of their home game against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening.
Ten Hag confirmed on Monday that he is hopeful Scott McTominay and World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez will return to the squad for the midweek clash.
When asked about the pair, the Dutch coach, 52, said: “We have to see, both are training Friday, Saturday. I’m quite optimistic that they can return to the squad.”
But he is less convinced about Diogo Dalot, adding: “Dalot has made good progress but we don’t want to take risks, there are many games to come and we need a full squad for all the games.”
Ten Hag is expected to put Martinez straight back in despite Luke Shaw‘s superb displays at the heart of the back line.
Shaw should keep his place at left-back ahead of Malacia.
But McTominay will find it challenging to get back into the team given the performances of Casemiro.
And while Jadon Sancho has returned to United training, it is also unlikely he will start the match.
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The only other change to the XI from the win over Wolves will likely be Rashford coming back in for Alejandro Garnacho.
The England international, 25, bagged his 11th club goal of the season off the bench after initially being left out for arriving late for a team meeting.
But he remains United’s in-form man and will want to maintain his momentum with more goals against Gary O’Neil’s side.
He will likely play on the left flank with Antony on the right and Anthony Martial through the middle.
That said, Garnacho’s bright cameos are making a case for him to start.
