Several international Reds return

The derby will always be a massive fixture, no matter when it’s played, but this one is particularly mouthwatering for fans as it comes off the back of 28 days without domestic action for United.

Since we beat league leaders Arsenal 3-1 at Old Trafford on 4 September, we’ve only faced Real Sociedad and Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League, with Premier League clashes against Crystal Palace and Leeds United postponed until later in the season due to the passing of Her Majesty Elizabeth II.

A whole host of Reds have kept their eye in with their countries in what will be the last international fixtures played prior to the winter World Cup, which begins in Qatar on Sunday 20 November.

On Tuesday, our training gallery showed several returnees back at Carrington, with Tyrell Malacia and Raphael Varane looking fresh having been involved with the Netherlands and France fixtures less than 48 hours previously.

Scott McTominay was also present, as he was suspended for Scotland’s final Nations League encounter with Ukraine, which finished 0-0, while the likes of David De Gea, Tom Heaton and Jadon Sancho also joined the session alongside several of United’s Academy players, who benefited from time with the first-teamers while others were away with their nations.

As you can see from the gallery above, more Reds were added to the mix on Wednesday, as the clock ticks down further to Sunday’s 14:00 BST kick-off at the Etihad Stadium, against Pep Guardiola’s side who sit second in the table.

Christian Eriksen starred for Denmark during the break and he was back in action today along with new team-mate Antony, who came on as a substitute for Brazil during their 5-1 friendly success over Tunisia in Paris on Tuesday night.

Diogo Dalot was also pictured with the group – unlike international team-mates Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, he didn’t make it on to the pitch for Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain.

Several players who played for their countries this week trained indoors on Wednesday following their return from international duty.

We expect to have a more in-depth team news update from Erik ten Hag when he faces the media for his pre-match press conference on Friday.