Luke Shaw and Axel Tuanzebe have boosted Manchester United’s options for Sunday's clash with Aston Villa.
Both players started against Astana in the Europa League on Thursday as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s defensive injuries begin to clear up.
With Scott McTominay still recovering from an ankle injury, Solskjaer could opt for a back three again, with Tuanzebe starting ahead of Phil Jones, who endured such a torrid 45 minutes in the 3-3 draw with Sheffield United last weekend.
Shaw is believed to have been told he has to displace Brandon Williams to reclaim his left-back spot after a hamstring injury - but his return to the first team provides United with more depth.
Solskjaer has the benefit of a largely refreshed squad after leaving the majority of his senior players behind for the trip to Kazakhstan.
Jesse Lingard was one of the starters for that match and is another midfield option at a time when United are desperately short in that department due to injuries to Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, as well as McTominay.
Solskjaer is hopeful McTominay will be back in time for the Manchester derby on December 7 - and ideally for the visit of Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham on Wednesday.
Predicted Man Utd XI (3-4-2-1): De Gea; Lindelof, Maguire, Tuanzebe; Wan-Bissaka, Williams, Fred, Pereira; James, Rashford; Martial
