Romelu Lukaku has returned to light training as he races to be fit for the Manchester derby at the Etihad on Sunday.
However, United have a fresh injury concern after Alexis Sanchez sustained a thigh strain in the stunning Champions League win over Juventus in Turin.
Lukaku picked up hamstring injury a week ago and missed the wins over Juve and Bournemouth. United’s £75million striker had already paid the price for scoring just four goals in 14 appearances this season after he was dropped to the bench by Jose Mourinho for the win over Everton.
But Mourinho wants Lukaku’s power against Manchester City in this weekend’s Etihad derby and will wait to see if the big Belgian can prove his fitness over the next 24 hours. He will give an update on the striker’s progress on Friday lunchtime.
Mourinho admitted before the 2-1 win over Juve that he didn’t know if Lukaku would recover in time, but it’s understood the 25-year-old was able to take part in a light workout at Carrington while his teammates were on Champions League duty.
Sanchez has led the line in Lukaku’s absence but may also be a doubt for the derby after suffering a dead leg in Italy.
The Chilean was seen applying ice to his thigh after coming off in the 79th minute and was in some discomfort afterwards.
At least Anthony Martial continues to progress following a turbulent summer that saw him fall out with Mourinho and refuse to sign a new contract.
The forward. 22, is now set to agree a new five-year deal to coincide with his upturn in form, and was recalled to the France squad on Thursday to face Holland and Uruguay this month.
Valprudent
198
Fans are so stupid this days. Wen a player is in form you guys will praise him like God, but wen a player drop form same you stupid fans will talk trash about him. Wen Lukaku was in Everton the guy is nothing but a beast. He has scored against, City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs. Except United. He is the highest goal scorer in the history of Belgium at the moment. Lukaku lack supply of ball at United. He over work himself all the time. Wen a striker don't get the ball you want him to perform magic or what? If Lukaku were to be in city or Liverpool he would have been banging goals week in week out.
Mondmnpst
166
Bad news. Man u is better off without without Lukaku
DwightJules
159
mourinho: Its ok we are winning without you. take all the time you need to get well.
MorrisTCooper
118
hope he gets better to fight for his place,because there is no free role at Manchester United right now.MOURINHO is on