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Ralf Rangnick provides quadruple Man Utd injury boost

Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has provided a quadruple injury boost ahead of the club’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

The Red Devils were without Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, Phil Jones and Harry Maguire for the recent FA Cup third-round triumph over Villa at Old Trafford.

The quartet have now returned to training after respective injuries. Speaking in today’s press conference, Rangnick expressed confidence that they will be available for the Midlands trip.

He told Manchester Evening News: “I think they will be available. They only trained yesterday for the first time. Cristiano yesterday, Harry the day before yesterday.

“We have to wait for the final session this afternoon but as it seems right now they should be available for tomorrow [Saturday].”

The Red Devils recently returned to winning ways against Villa with a hard-fought 1-0 win. The performance was far from convincing. Scott McTominay’s eighth-minute goal proved the difference.

McTominay has been a quality creative presence recently with two goals in his last three appearances, but he won’t play any part in tomorrow’s league encounter at Villa Park.

The Scotland international will be serving a one-game suspension after accumulating five yellow cards in the Premier League. The same will be the case for left-back Luke Shaw.

Aside from the duo, Paul Pogba is a confirmed absentee as he continues to recover from a thigh injury sustained in November. The Frenchman may not return to action until late February.

Eric Bailly also won’t play any part in the league fixture. The 26-year-old is currently with the Ivory Coast national team for their African Cup of Nations campaign in Cameroon.

United have lost their way in the Premier League since their return from a coronavirus outbreak in the squad. They have picked up just four points from a possible nine on offer.

Their performances against Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers were disappointing. They were lucky against the Magpies (1-1 draw) as David de Gea saved their blushes.

The Spanish goalkeeper has been in spectacular form this term, and he has been repeatedly praised by Rangnick since the German’s appointment as interim head coach last month.

The 31-year-old could have another busy evening at Villa Park tomorrow, judging by United’s defensive woes that have remained consistent over the past few months.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.

Read: Predicted Man Utd line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Aston Villa, Van de Beek starts.