Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hopeful Ander Herrera will return for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final with Wolves following his hamstring injury.
The Manchester United midfielder hasn’t played since limping out of last month’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool.
He was pushing to be involved against Arsenal on Sunday – but failed to come through a late fitness test, convincing Solskjaer it was too soon to risk such a key player.
If Herrera comes through this week without any further setback, he could come straight back into United’s starting line-up for the evening kick off at the Molineux.
It will give Solskjaer the opportunity to name his strongest midfield for the first time in five games after Nemanja Matic suffered a groin strain and Paul Pogba was suspended for the Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
Fred’s encouraging form means Solskjaer does not have to rush Herrera’s return – but Man Utd’s best performances under the Norwegian have come with his first choice midfield trio in the team.
Jesse Lingard, who also suffered a hamstring injury is another player working his way back to fitness after undergoing rehab work at Carrington.
Solskjaer has been boosted by signs of United’s crippling injury list beginning to clear up in recent weeks.
Anthony Martial came on as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal after a month out with a groin strain and will be fit enough to start against Wolves.
