Boss forced to wait for McTominay

Manager Erik ten Hag does expect the Scotland international to return soon, though, and has thrown down the gauntlet for his players to be fit and firing for the run-in, using Victor Lindelof as a great example for those looking to grasp their opportunity, when it comes.

The Sweden centre-back was Man of the Match in the Emirates FA Cup semi-final shootout success against Brighton & Hove Albion, and will hope to keep his place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, despite the availability of Harry Maguire after suspension.

Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho is back in training after his ankle injury and there is optimism Raphael Varane will return in time for the FA Cup final with Manchester City on 3 June.

"Alejandro is not ready for the game," the manager told MUTV's Mark Sullivan ahead of travelling down to London. "Scott, we have to wait a little bit longer, I fear. But I am sure they are all motivated to be back as soon as possible as we play a lot of ‘finals’, huge games and, in the end, we know what is going on then."

McTominay had been in electric form for club and country before picking up an injury. The homegrown talent scored doubles in successive Euro 2024 qualifying matches for Scotland, against Cyprus and Spain, and netted his first Premier League goal of the season, his third overall, when opening the scoring in the 2-0 win over Everton. However, that was his last appearance before being forced out of action.

The Reds are attempting to nail down a top-four place in the table, in order to clinch a spot in next season's Champions League. The Spurs clash is key, in this respect, with fifth-placed Aston Villa, a side making a late charge, to follow on Sunday at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag's men currently sit in fourth place but do have a game in hand on Newcastle United, whose superior goal difference puts them above us at present.

Certainly, Lindelof's form, when drafted into the side, has been a major boost for the Reds, and this is something that is not lost on the boss. With others looking to make their mark before 2022/23 is out, it will be interesting to see who can push themselves into contention for a starting spot in the all-Manchester cup final by impressing in the remaining Premier League fixtures.

"It is not always easy when you are in a club that's Man United and you need a big squad," Erik explained to club media. "There are also players who are capable of playing every game, like Victor. But he is not playing every game because you are not locked and then you have to wait for your moment and, when the moment is there, you have to prove it.

"Now [it's] a number of games after each other that he is really contributing and really consistent in his performance, and the team needs it. So it's a demand for a player from Man United as well. Maybe it's not easy, sometimes if you are disappointed, or frustrated during the season, to keep in a good level and Victor did really well. As others did really well.

"There are examples of it. You see, when you are needed, you give the performance and help the team to get the goals from the season."