Ten Hag provides crucial double Man Utd injury boost ahead of Man City clash

Erik ten Hag has issued an encouraging update for Manchester United fans, with positive news about the fitness of forwards Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

United are set to take on Manchester City on Sunday in Ten Hag's first derby since taking charge at Old Trafford. Nearly a month has passed since United's last league game, thanks to postponements and the international break, but Ten Hag's team have played two Europa League matches in the interim.

Captain Harry Maguire will miss the match after sustaining an injury on England duty. However, while the centre-back works on his recovery, there is better news further forward.

"Harry Maguire is injured. For the rest we have some doubts," Ten Hag told the media ahead of Sunday's clash.

"Anthony Martial but he was training all week with the group, performing really well, makes a good impression. Marcus Rashford he returns into training so we are happy with that."

If Martial features against City, it would be only his second appearance of the season. The French international missed the start of the campaign after suffering a setback in pre-season, and was ruled out with a fresh injury after making a 45-minute cameo in the victory over Liverpool in August.

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Rashford suffered a muscle injury in United's last league game, a 3-1 victory over Arsenal in which he scored twice. The England international missed the Europa League games against Real Sociedad and FC Sheriff, but has moved a step closer to a return to action.

The 24-year-old has also won the Premier League's player of the month award for September, with Ten Hag named manager of the month. Rashford notched two goals and two assists during the month as United beat Arsenal and Leicester City.

"Marcus Rashford, for example, has shown some encouraging signs recently," England manager Gareth Southgate said when quizzed on players who might be able to force their way into World Cup contention. "He is a player we know well so if he can perform at a high level in the next few weeks, he of course will be under consideration."

After six games under Erik ten Hag, Manchester United sit fifth in the Premier League with 12 points. They are five points behind City, though Pep Guardiola's side have played a game more than their neighbours.

Both of last season's derbies went the way of City, with the champions winning 2-0 at Old Trafford and 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium. However, United won away to their rivals in two of the previous three campaigns, including a 2-1 victory in December 2019 in which Rashford and Martial got the goals.

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