Manchester United return to the Premier League this weekend when they take on Everton.
Remarkably, the Red Devils are the most in-form side in the division, with four wins from the last five matches. The most recent came in the form of a 1-0 win over Luton Town, when Victor Lindelof handed the side three points ahead of the international break.
That result saw Erik ten Hag’s side move into sixth place and, despite the underwhelming displays this season, United are just five points off the Champions League spots at present.
The club’s resolve will once again be tested this weekend when they make the short journey to Goodison Park. Everton are still reeling from their historic 10-point deduction last week, the biggest in Premier League history.
Aggrieved fans have also raised over £33,000 for banners and flags that will be on display against United, with supporters’ groups aiming to create a ‘hostile’ atmosphere. United have typically struggled to cope with any sort of adversity this season, and Sunday’s game will be a litmus test for this supposedly improving side.
United could also be helped by the return of several key players from injury, and a study this week claimed no side in the league have suffered from more injury issues this season than the Red Devils.
Ahead of the Everton clash there are concerns surrounding nine players, six of whom were ruled out of the Luton match. Two members of the team suffered fresh injuries in that 1-0 victory, while another picked up an issue over the international break. Then there’s the Jadon Sancho saga and a final player who sat out the last match due to illness.
We have the latest on all 11 first-teamers and when they’re expected to return to the side…
1. Andre Onana- potential return date: 26 November
Sustained a back injury in Cameroon's win over Mauritius last weekend but several reports claim he should be fit to face Everton.
2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka- potential return date: 26 November
Missed the win over through illness but should be back for this weekend.
3. Jonny Evans- potential return date: 6 December
Won't be back for another week or two, with the start of next month looking like a likely return date.
4. Lisandro Martinez- potential return date: January
Ten Hag said earlier this month that the defender won't play before Christmas as he recovers from a foot injury.