Midfielder Casemiro has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since November, while defender Martinez has been recuperating from knee surgery undergone last summer. Now, both players have rejoined first-team training, a development that delights manager Ten Hag.

Looking ahead to the Wigan FA Cup match on Monday night, Ten Hag expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Two class players and they will bring the team forward. We know that and now we’re looking forward to their return in the team on matchdays. But we have to wait for that. They still need some time to fully make their comeback but yeah, it is a good signal that they are back on the grass with the team, in the team training. Now, we have to make the next step [to get them] fully in the team training, and then they can work with us.”

This season, Manchester United has encountered challenges, currently occupying the eighth position in the table while exiting both the Champions League and Carabao Cup. Injuries to key players from the 2022/23 season have compounded their difficulties. Although Casemiro’s performances have been below expectations this term, casting doubt on his future at the club, Martinez is anticipated to play a significant role in the latter part of the campaign.

The FA Cup journey for United commences with an away fixture against Wigan Athletic, a League One side, in the competition’s third round on Monday night. Following this, they face a formidable opponent in Tottenham on January 14 as they resume Premier League action.

Lisandro Martínez

Manchester United performance and stats

Manchester United will play the next match in FA Cup against Wigan Athletic on Monday 8th of January in Wigan. The prediction is Manchester United winning the match.​

Casemiro

Manchester United performance and stats

Manchester United will play the next match in FA Cup against Wigan Athletic on Monday 8th of January in Wigan. The prediction is Manchester United winning the match.​