Ruben Amorim names two Man Utd players he hopes to get back fit ahead of Nottingham Forest and Man City

Manchester United have a number of players held back from international duty due to injury but Ruben Amorim hopes to have some of his injured stars back for when the Red Devils return to action next month.

The FA Cup takes centre stage when the domestic action returns on March 29 but Premier League clubs not in the competition won’t have to wait much longer after that as a midweek round of fixtures takes place at the start of April.

United return with a trip to Nottingham Forest, who are eyeing a spot in the Champions League. They sit third in the table, with 54 points from 29 games. After a visit to the City Ground, United welcome Manchester City Old Trafford in the second Manchester derby of the season. United won the reverse meeting between the clubs in December, with Amad Diallo scoring a late winner at the Etihad Stadium.

Amorim discusses international break plans

Speaking after Sunday’s 3-0 win over Leicester City, Amorim discussed his plans for the international break. The players not on international duty will be divided in terms of their fitness. The Red Devils had Mason Mount back on the bench against the Foxes and he could make his first appearance against Forest.

Amorim says that United will also use the break to try and get Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo back fit for the return of domestic action. Both players missed out on Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad through injury.

He said: "For the coaches it is difficult to have time off. We are going to divide the group. Some of the players like Mason Mount and Toby [Collyer], they have to work on their fitness."We have to recover players to help [them all]."

He added: "Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, all these players we are going to try to bring that [fitness]. The players [must make] a final push for two competitions. Some of the players are going to rest more days than usual. So we are going to divide and give different things for different players and try to be ready for the the final two months."

United’s other injured stars

Maguire hasn’t played since the FA Cup defeat against Fulham while Mainoo has been absent since early February. His muscle problem was initially set to keep out for around six weeks.

One of the main concerns for United is the injury to Ayden Heaven, who was forced off early in the second half against Leicester City with a potential ankle or lower leg injury. Amad Diallo could be back before the end of the season as the Red Devils face Chelsea and Aston Villa in their final Premier League games and hope to be in the final of the Europa League.

Lisandro Martinez is out for a long spell while Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are sidelined with unknown issues without any return dates. Patrick Dorgu will be back from suspension against Forest while Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro are set to return before the end of the season.

In other news, United have been offered a fresh Ayden Heaven assessment as Wayne Rooney makes 'real coup' claim.