Manchester United are set to welcome three players back to full fitness in 2024, with a trio back in light training.
Over the past few weeks, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, and Mason Mount have all been pictured back at Carrington as they step up their returns from various injuries.
While none of the trio made it back for the final game of 2023 against Nottingham Forest, all three will be back in 2024.
Their injuries contributed to a very disrupted start to the season for Manchester United, which saw the club crash out of the Champions League.
Lisandro Martinez due back at Manchester United
Lisandro Martinez says his recovery is going very well, also discussing his passion for the club, which certainly puts Jadon Sancho to shame.
Martinez is a player supporters cannot wait to see back, and his impending return was discussed on MUTV’s The Debate.
Former title winning defender David May says Martinez is the team’s biggest leader and will have a huge impact when he returns to the side.
He explained: “Vitally important, it’s important you have your leaders in the team and he certainly is. For me, the biggest leader in the team. He leads from the back, you can see the way he plays, the way he organises, the way he tackles, the way he puts his body on the line, he is a proper leader.
“We have gone through a few hard times over the last few weeks and it’ll be great to see him back, you need your best players and he’s certainly one of our best players.”
May added that Casemiro and Mason Mount’s returns will also have a positive impact on Erik ten Hag’s side.
He said: “Casemiro as well he’s been missed and Mason Mount, we’ve not seen the best of him yet since his transfer from Chelsea, so you can’t say it’s like three new players coming back but it’s three players the manager can certainly rely on to the first 11.”
Mainoo can benefit from Casemiro
Casemiro was one of Manchester United’s best players last season and he has the potential to make a huge difference in the second half of this campaign.
Former academy player Ben Thornley believes Kobbie Mainoo can benefit from Casemiro, and says while he does not necessarily need the Brazilian, he will of course be better off for playing alongside him.
Thornley said: “He’s been a player who has won Champions Leagues, won trophies in Spain, we know if we can get him back to what we saw last season and the influence that he had, then not only will he help the whole team but for somebody like Kobbie Mainoo to take a lead from somebody like Casemiro will be fantastic for him.
“And that’s if he needs it, because he seems to have taken to that position so effortlessly, for somebody who receives the ball in the positions that he does, and have the temperament as well.
“I still feel as though he can be helped by somebody like Casemiro no question, but he’s still done brilliantly so far.”
Mainoo has been so impressive, but United will want to manage him delicately, cautious of burning him out, and so having multiple midfield options is essential.
Getting Casemiro and Mount back into the mix, along with the recently returned Christian Eriksen, will make a substantial difference, and even give Erik ten Hag a few selection headaches too.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/iVRE7I0