5 things we spotted in Man Utd training as duo return to hand Erik ten Hag major boost

Manchester United are set to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday with Erik ten Hag and his players aiming to put last season's 4-0 defeat behind them

Erik ten Hag will take his Manchester United team to London on Saturday with the goal of rounding off a perfect week with another three points, and he's been given an early boost.

United won 3-0 at Southampton in their last Premier League match before demolishing Barnsley 7-0 in the Carabao Cup. Things could be tougher against Crystal Palace, though, after Oliver Glasner's side handed Ten Hag's men a 4-0 humbling in May.

The midweek victory provided a confidence boost, while allowing some first-teamers a welcome rest. United have also been without some senior stars in the early part of the season, but that's beginning to change.

There was plenty of note in the latest photos from United training, with the return of two big names the stand-out. Here's what Mirror Football noticed from the latest snaps.

1. Hojlund back in contention

Rasmus Hojlund missed the start of his first Manchester United season with a back injury, while a hamstring problem has kept him out of action this term. The striker was injured in pre-season, as was new team-mate Leny Yoro, and Hojlund is the first of the pair to return.

Hojlund ended his debut season with 10 league goals, but two of those came in the last two games of the season. He found things tough at Euro 2024, though, failing to find the net in any of Denmark's four matches.

The £72million striker has inherited the number nine shirt this season, with Anthony Martial now in Athens. He'll surely be champing at the bit to show he can do it justice.

2. Mount all smiles

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Image: Manchester United via Getty Images) Manchester United via Getty Images)

Mason Mount, like Hojlund, has been sidelined with hamstring trouble. He has made a speedier recovery, though, only sitting out two league matches.

The former Chelsea star was spotted with a smile on his face in training as he looks to show he's ready to play a part at Selhurst Park. He had a day to forget in the corresponding fixture last season, but looked in better shape at the start of the current campaign before injury struck.

“I definitely feel this is a fresh start and I’m in a really good position at the moment so I can’t wait to get on that pitch and try to do the best I can,” Mount said in July. “I’m really looking forward to it. I feel strong, I feel fit so we’ll keep going and keep working hard.”

That fresh start was briefly put on hold due to another injury. However, a quick return will give him a chance to pick up where he left off.

3. Mainoo rested and ready

Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag) Manchester United via Getty Imag)

While some of United's fringe players got much-needed minutes against Barnsley, others were handed a rest. Joshua Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes both got minutes from the bench, but Mainoo was granted a full day off.

The England international played the full 90 minutes in three of his club's first four league games, and added 77 minutes for the Three Lions against Ireland in the UEFA Nations League. At just 19 years of age, there may be a feeling that there's no need to overwork the youngster.

Mainoo's absence against Barnsley means fans have been made to wait for his first start alongside new signing Manuel Ugarte. With the Uruguayan playing more than an hour in midweek, that wait may well end on Saturday.

4. Wheatley still in the picture

Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag) Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Ethan Wheatley was another man who stayed on the bench on Tuesday, though he is less far along in his United career than fellow teenager Mainoo. The 18-year-old was also on the bench for the matches against Liverpool and Southampton, but has yet to play a senior minute this season.

Wheatley made his Premier League debut against Sheffield United last season, and also played 10 minutes of the defeat away to Palace. After opening his Premier League 2 account in the first game this season, he's knocking on the door for more first-team minutes.

The forward was joined in first-team training by young defender Harry Amass, another player who will feel close to a senior opportunity. Ten Hag has trusted in youth for much of his time at Old Trafford, but it remains to be seen whether this weekend's game will come too early.

5. Ten Hag's striker situation

Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag) Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Marcus Rashford was given the chance to lead the line in midweek after getting back among the goals last weekend. He seized his opportunity, too, with a brace against Barnsley.

With Hojlund available again and Joshua Zirkzee still part of the picture, Ten Hag has a decision to make. Does he play United's number 10 through the middle in what threatens to be a much tougher game, or does he move Rashford wide and drop Alejandro Garnacho back to the bench, despite the Argentine also scoring twice in the last seven days?

Ten Hag was spotted exchanging words with coach and former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy during training. Might he have been discussing that selection dilemma with his compatriot?

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