MANCHESTER UNITED have been given a double boost with Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount both ready to return.
But Erik ten Hag will not be rushing anyone back into the first-team now that he has a fully-fit squad.
The Red Devils boss admitted he was forced to play some of his stars too much and others when they were only “20 per cent” fit.
Ten Hag said: “Last season we didn’t have a fit squad. From February on we had to find 11 players every time to construct a team.
“We had to overload them. In top football you always go to boundaries.
“It’s not avoidable — but when you have a full squad available it’s easier to manage the load.
“We hope we can integrate them in a very careful way.”
Ten Hag says he will make a late call whether to include the pair in the squad for Saturday’s tea-time visit to Crystal Palace.
Danish striker Hojlund, 21, has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury on the pre-season tour.
Mount’s first season at United was ruined by injury and he received another setback in just the second Premier League game of this season — also with a hamstring issue.
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But the pair have been pictured in full training at Carrington this week.
Ten Hag said: “It’s very good news they are back on the pitch, they are back in gym training.
“We have to decide if they are fit enough to start but it is pleasing they are back, we have many games in this block.”
The injuries which plagued Ten Hag’s team last term resulted in the club’s all-time Premier League low position of eighth.
He also blamed them for the 4-0 drubbing away at Selhurst Park last May.
Ten Hag said: “We know it is always tough there.
“We had two players just up to 20 per cent to play — this time it is different.”
He goes into the game not just with players fit again but full of confidence, like Marcus Rashford, 26, who has three goals in his last two games.
Ten Hag said: “It’s good for the team, strengthens their belief and they will go for more goals.”
Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scores
MARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.
The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.
But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.
Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…
Andre Onana – 7
Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.
But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.
Noussair Mazraouri – 7
Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.
Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.
Matthijs De Ligt – 8
Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.
He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.
Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.
Christian Eriksen – 7
A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.
The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.
Amad Diallo – 7
Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.
SUBS
Garnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7
Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.
He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.
Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6
Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6
Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6
