Erik ten Hag handed huge double injury boost ahead of top four run-in

17 May 2023 , 11:45
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Erik ten Hag has had some welcome news as he begins preparations to face Bournemouth (Image: (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images))
Erik ten Hag has had some welcome news as he begins preparations to face Bournemouth (Image: (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images))

Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay have both returned to training after injury ahead of the closing matches of the season.

Rashford missed the weekend win against Wolves but looks set to be available for the match against Bournemouth on Saturday, with McTominay also returning after over a month on the sidelines.

In another piece of good news for Erik ten Hag, Raphael Varane is expected to be fit and has been back in training after an injury scare suffered at the weekend. The French central defender had just returned from a foot injury but was replaced by Harry Maguire what has been described as a 'precautionary measure'.

McTominay's return is a welcome boost, with his absence having left Ten Hag reliant on midfield duo Casemiro and Christian Eriksen following Marcel Sabitzer's injury. With a crucial set of fixtures which could determine the success of his first season in charge, the news will be welcome for Ten Hag.

United have seen their lead over Liverpool in the race to qualify for the Champions League cut to just a single point, with three games left to play. The Red Devils do have a game in hand over their North West rivals, but will be desperate not to left their advantage slip after an impressive first season under ten Hag.

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Crucial to that success has been Rashford, with the 25-year-old becoming United's top scorer with 29 goals in all competitions making this his most prolific season at the club.

Erik ten Hag handed huge double injury boost ahead of top four run-inScott McTominay and Marcus Rashford are both in contention to face Bournemouth this weekend ((Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images))

Despite an impressive season for Rashford, has had a few injury niggles and Ten Hag was hesitant to reveal what had caused the winger's absence.

He said: “I can’t tell in this moment and as I say, it's not my focus point in this moment. I hope [he will be back soon]. Of course. And he will do everything that can be done." ten Hag added. “The medical staff is working hard on it, but I am focused, and my team are focusing, on this game.”

United have four matches left this season, with three Premier League fixtures to play before an FA Cup final against Man City on June 3. Despite success in the form of a Carabao Cup win, ten Hag has described qualification to the Champions League this season as being vital to the club's long-term prospects and will hope for no more injuries in the quest for qualification.

Will Freeman

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