Erik ten Hag says Marcus Rashord is back in training and could play for Manchester United against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
He also confirmed that Anthony Martial has trained all week and has left a “good impression”.
However, as expected, Harry Maguire will miss the game after picking up an injury while on international duty.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Sunday, the manager said: “Harry Maguire is injured. For the rest we have some doubts, Anthony Martial but he was training with the group all week, performing very well, he gives a very good impression. Marcus Rashford is back in training so we’re happy with that.”
On Maguire’s continued struggles to find form, Ten Hag said, “I have to train him and back him up. I support him because I believe in him. I can see the qualities of him. The quality is there. Almost 50 games for England, he has great potential. So it’s about him. We all believe in him.”
The manager was also asked what winning the Premier League Manager of the Month award meant to him.
“What we achieved we did together, it says we are in the right direction,” he replied.
“There is a lot of room to improve, we have to do it. She says that we are in the right direction, but we have to work harder.”
The Dutchman also expressed his intention to try and win Sunday’s match, saying: “I approach this by looking at ourselves. Manchester United, we want to win every game. The goal for Sunday is none other. We have to do our best and of course a good plan and execution.
“I have played many derbies! I know what they are, what the rivalry is, what they do with each other. I know it’s the biggest game in the Manchester area.
“This excites me. You do everything to win that game.”
Asked how he intended to mitigate the threat of City striker Erling Haaland, Ten Hag said: “We don’t play Haaland, we play Man City.
“We are convinced of our capabilities. If we act as a team, we can beat our opponents. That’s the belief we need, and we need it even more on Sunday.”
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