Erik ten Hag has had to deal with a depleted squad for much of the season due to injuries. The Dutchman expects to have a fuller squad available in the next month.
Manchester United travel to Nottingham Forest with the same squad that managed a memorable comeback win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
Ten Hag expects to have up to five players back from long-term injury in mid-January. A month the manager will hope to see his side climb up the Premier League table.
By the time United take on Wolves on February 1, we will have the following players available for selection: Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Mason Mount.
“To start with last: I don’t think so,” Ten Hag said of the Forest match, as per the Manchester Evening News. “It will be a similar squad as we had against Villa.
“Mid-January we expect many players back. Mason, Casemiro, Martinez, Malacia, so we expect Harry Maguire, of course. We expect many players to return in January.”
Furthermore, Anthony Martial and Victor Lindelof are also still out for United’s final game of the calendar year at Forest.
Forest are currently enjoying a new manager bounce under Nuno Espirito Santo following an impressive win over Newcastle on Boxing Day.
Ten Hag added: “With them, you see the reaction with a new manager is coming in. You see the spirit, we have to be ready for that.
“It’s always about us but be aware of it, be aware they have the right spirit. Of course, they built the confidence but that is what we did as well and we have to continue in the performance.”
Hopefully the squad can avoid any more knocks and Ten Hag will soon have a fully fit squad to take into games. That is when I feel we can expect the team to win football matches on a consistent basis.
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