Erik ten Hag confirms Manchester United trio are now back in training

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 31 January 2024

Ten Hag confirms Man United trio are now back in training

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag provides a positive update on the fitness of Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has provided a positive update on the fitness of Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount.

Lindelof has been absent since the start of December with an unspecified issue, which required him to undergo an operation, while Malacia has not played this season due to a knee problem.

Mount has had a frustrating first season at Old Trafford, with the 25-year-old being restricted to just 12 appearances in all competitions, and he has not turned out for the Red Devils since November 11.

The England international is back in individual training, which is also the case for Malacia, while Ten Hag revealed that Lindelof is back in full training with the 20-time English champions.

"So, very hopeful. We have some players back. We have seen on Sunday, returning [were] Licha (Lisandro) Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, which is very good," Ten Hag told MUTV.

Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount on July 19, 2023 © Reuters

"Also, Victor Lindelof is back into training, team training, and others, like Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount, they are on the grass.

"Not ready but I don't think it takes long. The good thing is we have a strong squad and can now pick. That is the difference with many games in the autumn, in 2023, in the period we had only 11 or 12 players. That was a challenge, every time, to put 11 players on the pitch, but now we can pick a team."

Andre Onana is back with Man United and set to start against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday evening following Cameroon's exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Meanwhile, on-loan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is also set to soon be back in club action, as his Morocco side have been knocked out of AFCON.

Tyrell Malacia in action for Manchester United on August 7, 2022 © Reuters

Lindelof recently had a 12-month extension activated in his contract, with his current terms due to run until the summer of 2025.

However, there has been speculation surrounding his future, with Man United thought to be willing to sell him for the right price during this summer's transfer window.

Having recovered Harry Maguire and Martinez from recent injuries, Ten Hag now has options in the middle of the defence, which will be further strengthened once Lindelof is available.

Malacia's return will boost the full-back department, meanwhile, with the Netherlands international not featuring for the Red Devils since last season.

However, Anthony Martial, who is set to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer this summer, will not be available until at least the end of March following a groin operation.