Gary O'Neil confirms triple Wolves boost ahead of Man Utd clash

Wolverhampton Wanderers will have Pablo Sarabia and Joao Gomes back for Thursday's Premier League game against Manchester United while Rayan Ait-Nouri will be fit to start.

Sarabia missed Wolves' FA Cup fourth round win over rivals West Brom on Sunday, while Ait Nouri was fit enough only for a substitute appearance after returning from his Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Algeria. Midfielder Gomes has missed the last three games due to suspension.

Erik ten Hag's side head to Molineux for just their second Premier League game of the new year on Thursday evening and will hope to do the double over their hosts, who lost 1-0 at Old Trafford on the opening day. But O'Neil has welcomed the return of his trio and confirmed on Wednesday that all are fit and available.

"Sarabia is back fit," O'Neil told reporters. "Rayan is fit to start. Joao back from suspension and fit. It will be a really tough test tomorrow as United have some incredible individuals."

Wolves were very unfortunate not to get at least a point from United in O'Neil's first game as manager back in August. The Midlands club missed a number of golden chances and believe they should have been given a penalty in added-time. Andre Onana collided with striker Sasa Kalajdzic when coming out to claim a cross and VAR officials opted against sending referee Simon Hooper to the screen - a decision that has since been confirmed as incorrect by referee chief Howard Webb.

"I think VAR calls are VAR calls, there won't be any hangover from that at all," O'Neil added of the perceived injustice. "I don't think the boys will see it as another go at that game. It's just a completely fresh game which will look very different.

"Manchester United are in a slightly different place, we’re in a different place so I don't think the last game will impact this one but we'll look to carry the same energy, same work-rate, look to cause them some problems and continue what has been a good season for us so far."

United will have Onana back for the trip to Molineux, following Cameroon's elimination from AFCON over the weekend. The 27-year-old missed his country’s opener after deciding to play against Tottenham less than 24 hours before and was dropped after conceding three goals against Senegal in the following game.

Marcus Rashford will also be available for selection despite being fined £650,000 - equivalent to two weeks wages - for calling in sick the morning after an unsanctioned night out in Belfast. Ten Hag insisted on Wednesday that the 'internal matter' had been dealt with.