Erik's update on three Reds

Victor Lindelof is back training with the first-team squad, after undergoing surgery on a minor groin issue in December.

The Sweden skipper last played for the Reds in the 2-1 win over Chelsea earlier that month. With Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire also fit again, there is real competition for places at the heart of the defence.

There is also encouraging news regarding Tyrell Malacia, who has missed the entire season to date.

The Netherlands full-back is out on the grass, as is Mason Mount, with the midfielder working hard to get back to full fitness, after being sidelined since last appearing against Luton Town on 11 November.

“So, very hopeful," Erik replied, when asked by club media at Carrington what the squad is looking like for the game at Wolves on Thursday. "We have some players back. We have seen on Sunday, returning [were] Licha Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, which is very good.

"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 already back from the Africa Cup of Nations and Sofyan Amrabat is due to follow suit soon, following Morocco's elimination from the tournament.

Look out for the interview with the boss in full on Thursday morning from 08:00 GMT on the United App and ManUtd.com.